【每日一词】 castigate-/ ˈka-stə-ˌgāt / transitive verb : to subject to severe punishment, reproof, or criticism <正式>严厉批评，申斥；苛评

//The judge castigated the lawyers for their lack of preparation.

Synonyms

baste,bawl out,berate,call down,chastise,chew out,dress down,flay,hammer,jaw,keelhaul,lambaste,lambast,lecture,rag,rail (at or against),rant (at),rate,ream (out),rebuke,reprimand,reproach,scold,score,tongue-lash,upbraid

Examples of castigate in a Sentence

The author castigated the prime minister as an ineffective leader.

castigated him for his constant tardiness

Recent Examples on the Web

Biden, 81, appeared hesitant and stammered in some of his answers, his eyes cast downward as Trump castigated him.

—James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2024

His teacher, apparently dissatisfied with his performance, shamed him in front of the, castigating the student for falling short of the promise purportedly shown by his peers.

—Michael Mitsanas and Chou Lee / Seoul, TIME, 13 June 2024

The sites attempt to impersonate French outlets Le Parisien and Le Point to amplify the claims and castigate French President Emmanuel Macron and his government.

—Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, 5 June 2024

But Adams’ administration has said Texas is behind the transports and has castigated the state’s governor, Greg Abbott.

—Tim Balk, New York Daily News, 3 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'castigate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.