chastise

verb chas·tise \(ˌ)chas-ˈtīz\

: to criticize (someone) harshly for doing something wrong

chas·tisedchas·tis·ing

Full Definition of CHASTISE

transitive verb

: to inflict punishment on (as by whipping)

: to censure severely : castigate

archaic : chasten 2

— chas·tise·ment \(ˌ)chas-ˈtīz-mənt also ˈchas-təz-\ noun

— chas·tis·er \(ˌ)chas-ˈtī-zər\ noun

See chastise defined for English-language learners

See chastise defined for kids

Origin of CHASTISE

Middle English chastisen, alteration of chasten

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to CHASTISE

Synonyms: baste, bawl out, berate, call down, castigate, scold, chew out, dress down, flay, hammer, jaw, keelhaul, lambaste (or lambast), lecture, rag, rail (at or against), rant (at), rate, ream (out), rebuke, reprimand, reproach, score, tongue-lash, upbraid

Antonyms: excuse, pardon, spare

Synonym Discussion of CHASTISE

punish, chastise, castigate, chasten, discipline, correct mean to inflict a penalty on in requital for wrongdoing. punish implies subjecting to a penalty for wrongdoing <punished for stealing>. chastise may apply to either the infliction of corporal punishment or to verbal censure or denunciation <chastised his son for neglecting his studies>. castigate usually implies a severe, typically public censure <an editorial castigating the entire city council>. chasten suggests any affliction or trial that leaves one humbled or subdued <chastened by a landslide election defeat>. discipline implies a punishing or chastening in order to bring under control <parents must discipline their children>. correct implies punishing aimed at reforming an offender <the function of prison is to correct the wrongdoer>.