What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
lambast
Example
The coach lambasted the team for their poor performance. [lambasted: verb]
Example
The journalist lambasted the government for their lack of action on climate change. [lambasting: gerund or present participle]
chastise
Example
The teacher chastised the student for cheating on the exam. [chastised: verb]
Example
The parent chastised their child for misbehaving in public. [chastising: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Chastise is more commonly used than lambast in everyday language. Chastise is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while lambast is less common and has a more specific usage.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between lambast and chastise?
Chastise is generally considered more formal and official than lambast. While lambast is often used in informal or casual settings, chastise is more appropriate for formal or professional situations.