Castigate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฎ
castigate
[หkรฆstษชหษกeษชt ]
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.
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| 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.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'castigate'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'castigate' originated from the Latin word 'castigare', which means 'to correct' or 'to punish'. It entered the English language in the late 16th century. The concept of castigation has been present in various cultures throughout history as a means of disciplining or correcting undesirable behavior.
See also: castigation.