Scolding or punishing someone for doing something wrong, usually with harsh words meant to make them feel ashamed.
From Old French 'chastier' meaning to punish or correct, derived from Latin 'castigare' (to reprove). The meaning has stayed consistent through centuries as a form of moral correction through speech or mild punishment.
Interestingly, 'chastise' and 'chasten' come from the same Latin root, but English developed different nuances—'chastise' became more about verbal scolding while 'chasten' evolved to mean humbling someone through hardship. Both aim to correct behavior through discomfort.
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