Definition
To criticize or punish someone severely, especially in public.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Verb
Synonyms
Rebuke, reprimand, chastise, criticize, berate, scold, admonish
Antonyms
Praise, compliment, approve, laud, extol
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | castigation, castigations |
| Verb | castigates, castigating, castigated, castigate |
| Adjective | None |
| Adverb | None |
Example Sentences
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The coach castigated the team for their poor performance on the field and made them do extra practice.
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The teacher castigated the student for not doing his homework and embarrassed him in front of the class.
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The boss castigated the employee for making a costly mistake and threatened to fire him if it happened again.
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The media castigated the politician for his controversial remarks and called for his resignation.
Usage
The word “castigate” comes from the Latin word “castigare”, which means to correct or chastise. It is a strong word that is often used in formal or serious contexts. It implies a severe criticism or punishment for a wrongdoing or mistake.
The word “castigate” can be used both intransitively and transitively. In its intransitive form, it means to criticize severely or to rebuke someone harshly. In its transitive form, it means to punish someone or to impose a penalty on them for their actions.
The word “castigate” is often used in legal, political, or managerial contexts. For example, a judge may castigate a criminal for their heinous crime during sentencing. A politician may be castigated by their opponents for their controversial policies or statements. A manager may castigate an employee for their poor performance or misconduct.
In summary, the word “castigate” is a powerful and formal word that is used to express severe criticism or punishment for someone’s actions or behavior. Its usage connotes a sense of authority, seriousness, and gravity, and is often associated with legal, political, or managerial contexts.