castigate
Verb
Hard difficulty
What does “castigate” mean?
verb.to reprimand someone severely.
SAT Usage
This term often appears in passages discussing authority, morality, or social issues, emphasizing a strong, often public, reprimand that reflects the severity of the action being criticized. It differs from milder terms like "criticize" or "rebuke," as it conveys a more intense and often corrective response to behavior deemed unacceptable.
Common Confusions
Castigate implies a severe reprimand intended to correct behavior, while reprimand usually suggests a less intense and more formal disapproval without the same level of urgency or corrective intent.
Do not choose castigate if the context emphasizes praise or approval rather than reprimanding someone severely.
Example Sentences
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The critic castigated the author for sloppy historical research.
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Online reviewers were quick to castigate the cafe for poor service.