Definition of chastise

The word "chastise" has its roots in the Latin word "castigare," which means "to correct or punish." This Latin word is a combination of "castrum," meaning "chastity" or "modesty," and "agere," meaning "to do" or "to perform." In Old French, the word "chastier" emerged, which was derived from the Latin "castigare." This Old French word meant "to correct or amend" and was used to describe the act of correcting one's behavior or actions. The English word "chastise" was first used in the 14th century, adopted from the Old French "chastier." Today, the word "chastise" means to punish or correct someone or something for a wrongdoing or misbehavior.