Chastise
mediumNegative tonechas-TYZ
verb
Definition
To rebuke or reprimand severely; to punish
Memory hook
CHAST-ISE: to make someone feel CHASTE/pure by severely rebuking their bad behavior.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The teacher chastised the students for their disruptive behavior.”
“He was chastised by the committee for his ethical lapses.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The teacher ______ the students for their disruptive behavior.”
Show answer
chastised
Categories
GRE Tip
Chastise is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "castigate" or "rebuke" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "commend".
Related GRE Words
berate
To scold or criticize someone angrily and at length
censure
To express severe disapproval of someone or something, especially in a formal statement
lambaste
To criticize harshly; to berate
excoriate
To criticize severely; to strip off the skin
objurgate
To rebuke severely; to scold harshly
upbraid
To scold or criticize severely
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