Castigate: meaning, definitions and examples
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castigate
[ˈkæstɪˌɡeɪt ]
Definitions
formal
To criticize or reprimand severely. To punish or chastise.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| castigate |
Typically used in formal or serious settings to describe harsh criticism or punishment, often involving moral or ethical judgment.
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| rebuke |
Functions as a formal and strong expression of disapproval, usually verbal and often used in professional or authoritative contexts.
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| reprimand |
Used to describe a formal and often official scolding or expression of disapproval, commonly seen in professional or disciplinary contexts.
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| chastise |
Often used in slightly less severe contexts than 'castigate', usually involving verbal criticism, and can imply scolding or reprimanding. It sometimes carries a somewhat old-fashioned or formal tone.
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Examples of usage
- The teacher castigated the student for not completing the assignment on time.
- The manager castigated the employee for their unprofessional behavior during the meeting.
literary
To inflict severe punishment on.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| castigate |
This word is typically used in formal situations where someone is being criticized severely, usually for moral or ethical failures.
|
| punish |
This is a general term used for inflicting a penalty or consequence for wrongdoing, applicable in various contexts such as parenting, education, and law.
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| penalize |
This word is used in situations involving formal punishment or penalties, often in legal, sports, or organizational contexts.
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| discipline |
Used in contexts where there is an aim to train or correct behavior, often with a focus on self-control and training.
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Examples of usage
- In the olden days, wrongdoers were castigated publicly as a form of punishment.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Latin 'castigare', which means to correct or to chastise.
- Originally, it was used in the context of both physical punishment and moral correction.
- Related words include 'castigation' and 'castigate', emphasizing correction.
Literature
- In many classic novels, characters face castigation for their actions, highlighting themes of morality and justice.
- Famous works often explore the consequences of actions through the lens of public or private castigation.
- Dramatic characters may undergo a journey of self-discovery following castigation, leading to growth.
Psychology
- Research suggests that harsh criticism, like castigation, can have lasting emotional effects on individuals.
- In behavioral psychology, the idea of punishment can either deter or reinforce behaviors depending on how it's applied.
- Self-castigation, where individuals harshly criticize their own actions, can lead to anxiety and decreased self-esteem.
Pop Culture
- Television shows often feature characters who are castigate by peers or authority figures as a plot device to create tension.
- In 'The Hunger Games', the harsh criticism of Katniss highlights societal control and the quest for individuality.
- Social media has created a space for public castigation, often referred to as 'cancel culture'.
History
- Throughout history, public castigation has been a form of social control, used by communities to enforce norms.
- In medieval times, public shaming was a common practice, seen as a form of castigation to deter wrongdoing.
- Various cultures have different historical approaches to punishment and castigation, from ritualistic practices to legal ramifications.
Translations
Translations of the word "castigate" in other languages:
🇵🇹 castigar
🇮🇳 दंड देना (Daṇḍ denā)
🇩🇪 züchtigen
🇮🇩 menghukum
🇺🇦 карати
🇵🇱 karcić
🇯🇵 厳しく叱る (Kibishiku shikaru)
🇫🇷 châtier
🇪🇸 castigar
🇹🇷 cezalandırmak
🇰🇷 벌하다 (Beolhada)
🇸🇦 يعاقب (Yaʿāqib)
🇨🇿 trestat
🇸🇰 trestať
🇨🇳 惩罚 (Chéngfá)
🇸🇮 kaznovati
🇮🇸 refsa
🇰🇿 жазалау
🇬🇪 დასჯა (Dasja)
🇦🇿 cəzalandırmaq
🇲🇽 castigar