What does “chastise” mean?
- 1
verbto criticize someone severely for doing something wrong
The coach chastised the players for their lack of effort.
- 2
verb(old-fashioned) to punish someone physically
In those days, teachers chastised pupils with a cane.
Chastise at a glance
- Part of speech
- verb
- CEFR level
- C2 (proficient)
- Pronunciation
- /tʃæˈstaɪz/ · chas-TIZE
How to use “chastise” correctly
Spelled with “-ise” in both US and UK English. Stronger than “admonish”.
Common phrases with “chastise”
- chastise sb for sth
Synonyms, opposites and related words
Synonyms (similar meaning)
- scold
- reprimand
- rebuke
Antonyms (opposite meaning)
- praise
- commend
Word family
- chastisement
“chastise” is on these word lists
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- admonish verbC2to tell someone firmly that they have done something wrong
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- entreat verbC2to ask someone very seriously or emotionally to do something
- exalt verbC2to praise someone or something very highly
- explicate verbC2to explain an idea or text in detail