Castigate
hardNegative toneKAS-tih-gayt
verb
Definition
To criticize or reprimand severely
Memory hook
CAST-I-GATE: CAST someone out the GATE after severely punishing them with harsh criticism.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The editorial castigated the government for its inaction.”
“He was castigated by critics for his controversial statements.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The editorial ______ the government for its inaction.”
Show answer
castigated
Categories
GRE Tip
Castigate is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "chastise" or "rebuke" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "commend".
Related GRE Words
vituperate
To blame or insult someone in strong or violent language
berate
To scold or criticize someone angrily and at length
excoriate
To criticize severely; to strip off the skin
upbraid
To scold or criticize severely
censure
To express severe disapproval of someone or something, especially in a formal statement
chastise
To rebuke or reprimand severely; to punish
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