Today's Word

Castigate

KAS-tih-gayt

Definition

(verb) To reprimand someone severely; to criticize harshly.

Example

The editor castigated the writer for missing yet another deadline.

Word Origin

Early 17th century: from Latin castigare, from castus ‘pure’ + agere ‘to drive’.

Fun Fact

Castigate doesn’t just mean to critique—it means to come down hard, often with a tone of moral authority. In the past, it could even refer to physical punishment, but today it’s used more metaphorically: a boss tearing into an employee, a coach yelling during halftime, or a pundit scolding a public figure. It’s always loud, sharp, and meant to correct.

Previous Words

Abrogate

Today's Word

Abrogate

AB-ruh-gayt

Definition

(verb) To abolish, repeal, or put an end to something (especially a law, policy, or agreement).

Example

The committee voted to abrogate the outdated regulation, clearing the way for more modern standards.

Word Origin

From Latin abrogare, meaning “to repeal” or “to take away by law.”

Fun Fact

The word abrogate often appears in legal, political, and diplomatic contexts because it refers to formal or authoritative cancellation—not just casual discontinuing. Interestingly, some treaties have been “abrogated by conduct,” meaning nations effectively ended them simply by acting differently rather than announcing a repeal. The term highlights how powerful the act of unmaking a rule can be—sometimes as impactful as creating one.

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Castigate

Definition

Example

Word Origin

Previous Words

Abrogate

Abrogate

Definition

Example

Word Origin

Abrogate

Foment

Somatic

Altruistic

Verve