castigate

[kas-ti-geyt] / ˈkæs tɪˌgeɪt /

VERB

criticize severely

Synonyms

STRONGEST

berate censure chastise criticize excoriate flog lambaste lash penalize pummel punish rebuke reprimand scold upbraid

STRONG

baste beat blister cane chasten correct discipline drub flay rail rate ream scarify scorch scourge thrash whip

WEAK

bawl out chew out come down on drag over the coals dress down jump down one's throat lay out lean on read the riot act scathe tongue-lash

Antonyms

STRONGEST

approve compliment exonerate flatter forgive laud praise reward

STRONG

aid assist guard help lose protect surrender

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"You will be the same person that will castigate us if we acquiesce to accepting Venezuelan prisoners into Nigeria," he added.

From BBC • Jul. 11, 2025

"I definitely think it's cultural. It's important not to castigate cultural practices around food but also raise awareness about food safety."

From Salon • Aug. 7, 2022

Vanessa Bryant has waged an intense battle with the county, even using her social media cachet to castigate the sheriff and name the deputies linked to the photo scandal.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 2, 2021

While he continued to castigate the protesters and blame the unrest on the United States, he started calling for “unity” and “peace.”

From Washington Post • Jul. 17, 2021

You were happy with the other two, I castigate myself.

From "I Am the Messenger" by Markus Zusak

castigate

Example Sentences

Related Words