chastise
UK: tʃæˈstaɪz | US: tʃæˈstaɪz
vt. to reprimand or punish severely, often verbally
vt. to discipline or correct someone’s behavior
The word "chastise" traces back to the Latin castus (meaning "pure" or "morally clean"), which evolved into Old French chastier ("to correct or punish"). The suffix "-ise" (a variant of "-ize") was added to form the verb in Middle English, emphasizing the act of enforcing moral or behavioral correction. Over time, the meaning shifted from general correction to more severe reprimand or punishment.
The teacher had to chastise the student for cheating on the exam.
Parents should chastise their children with fairness, not anger.
The coach chastised the team for their lack of effort during practice.
In medieval times, rulers would often chastise dissenters publicly.
She chastised herself for forgetting such an important deadline.