How to Memorize

castigate - scold

Analysis

To ‘castigate’ means to criticize or reprimand somebody in a particularly harsh way. Its use does not extend past the verbal to relate any type of physical attack. It is a word more commonly encountered in formal writing than in everyday conversations.

Example(s)

1. People on social media have been quick to castigate the media for perceived scaremongering during the crisis.

2. The data leak was highly costly to us and I castigated Gary for allowing it to happen.

3. I couldn’t understand her castigation of the new policy. Everyone else seemed very happy with it.