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May 31, 2018

Word of the Day: Chastise

1 CQ

Word of the Day : May 31, 2018

chastise \chass-TYZE\ verb

Definition

1 : to censure severely : castigate

2 : to inflict punishment on (as by whipping)

Did You Know?

Chastise, castigate, chasten, correct, and discipline all imply the infliction of a penalty in return for wrongdoing. Chastise often applies to verbal censure or denunciation ("she chastised her son for neglecting his studies"). Castigate usually implies a severe, typically public censure ("an editorial was published castigating the entire city council"), while chasten suggests any affliction or trial that leaves someone humbled or subdued ("chastened by a landslide election defeat"). Correct implies punishment aimed at reforming an offender ("the function of prison is to correct the wrongdoer"), and discipline is a punishment intended to bring a wrongdoer under control ("parents disciplining their children").

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Aired May 31, 2018

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