French word

châtier

Pronunciation

IPA/ʃatje/

Meaning

  • verbpunish

Example

Il faut châtier ceux qui volent.

Those who steal must be punished.

Illustration for châtier (punish)

More examples

Il ne faut pas châtier sans comprendre les raisons.

One must not punish without understanding the reasons.

Core concept

A heavy disciplinary hand used to force a wrongdoer back onto the right path.

Similar words

punir: To inflict a punishment for a violation or wrongful act.
sanctionner: To formally punish a breach of rules or inappropriate behavior.
réprimander: To criticize and admonish someone sharply.
gronder: To rebuke someone for improper behavior.

Definition in French

Infliger une peine ou une correction à quelqu'un dans le but de le corriger.

Word origin

The French verb developed from Old French chastier, itself from Latin castigare, with the sense of correction preserved in its modern meaning.

Usage tips

  • In contemporary everyday French, punir is usually more neutral, while châtier often sounds formal, literary, or solemn.

Other meanings

  • disciplineverb

Opposites

Word lists with this word