chastised: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal
Quick answer
What does “chastised” mean?
To reprimand or scold severely, especially to correct or improve behavior.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To reprimand or scold severely, especially to correct or improve behavior.
To inflict physical punishment or suffering as a form of discipline; more broadly, to criticize harshly or make someone feel ashamed of their actions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Slightly more common in British English in formal/written contexts. In American English, 'reprimanded' or 'scolded' are often preferred in everyday speech.
Connotations
In both varieties, retains a formal, somewhat old-fashioned tone. In British English, may still occasionally reference corporal punishment in historical/legal contexts.
Frequency
Low-frequency in casual conversation for both, but appears in news, literature, and formal reports.
Grammar
How to Use “chastised” in a Sentence
SUBJ chastise OBJSUBJ chastise OBJ for NPSUBJ chastise OBJ over NPVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chastised” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The headmaster chastised the pupils for their unruly conduct.
- The editorial chastised the government over its handling of the crisis.
American English
- The coach chastised the players for their lack of effort.
- The senator was chastised by her colleagues for the inflammatory remarks.
adverb
British English
- N/A (extremely rare, not standard).
American English
- N/A (extremely rare, not standard).
adjective
British English
- The chastised pupil looked at the floor.
- A chastised tone entered his voice.
American English
- The chastised employee returned to his desk.
- She spoke in a chastised manner after the meeting.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The CEO chastised the department for missing its quarterly targets.
Academic
The historian chastised earlier scholars for overlooking key primary sources.
Everyday
She chastised her brother for forgetting to lock the door.
Technical
Not typically used in technical contexts outside of specific disciplinary discussions (e.g., ethics, education).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chastised”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chastised”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chastised”
- Misspelling as 'chastized'.
- Using it for mild scolding (overly strong).
- Confusing it with 'chaste' (morally pure).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily, yes, in modern English. Historically, it included physical punishment, but this sense is now rare and formal/archaic.
'Punished' is broader and can involve penalties (fines, detention). 'Chastised' specifically means to reprimand or scold harshly, focusing on the verbal correction and shaming.
No. It always carries a negative connotation of criticism and disapproval from a figure of authority.
It's a mid-to-low frequency word, more common in written and formal English (news, reports, literature) than in casual conversation.
To reprimand or scold severely, especially to correct or improve behavior.
Chastised is usually formal in register.
Chastised: in British English it is pronounced /tʃæˈstaɪzd/, and in American English it is pronounced /tʃæˈstaɪzd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “spare the rod and spoil the child (related concept)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: a CHASTity belt restricts. To CHASTise restricts bad behavior through strong words.
Conceptual Metaphor
CORRECTION IS PURIFICATION / DISCIPLINE IS A PHYSICAL FORCE.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'chastised' CORRECTLY?