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Showing results for castigate. Search instead for spattigaste.
Definitions

castigate

[kas-ti-geyt] / ˈkæs tɪˌgeɪt /
VERB
criticize severely
Synonyms
STRONGEST
berate censure chastise criticize excoriate flog lambaste lash penalize pummel punish rebuke reprimand scold upbraid
STRONG
baste beat blister cane chasten correct discipline drub flay rail rate ream scarify scorch scourge thrash whip
WEAK
bawl out chew out come down on drag over the coals dress down jump down one's throat lay out lean on read the riot act scathe tongue-lash
Antonyms
STRONGEST
approve compliment exonerate flatter forgive laud praise reward
STRONG
aid assist guard help lose protect surrender

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Webb was able to take on some of Hong Kong’s most powerful constituencies and castigate regulatory authorities for letting corporate governance issues fester.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

"You will be the same person that will castigate us if we acquiesce to accepting Venezuelan prisoners into Nigeria," he added.

From BBC • Jul. 11, 2025

Imagine how much you would have to hate life to castigate someone for laughing.

From Salon • Aug. 10, 2024

“I think the U.S. has realized that it would be sacrificing the geopolitical utility of the Indo-U.S. relationship if it decides to castigate India.”

From New York Times • Jun. 21, 2023

It probably misses the point, though, to castigate McCandless for being ill prepared.

From "Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer