Which word means to punish or criticize harshly?

• A. Castigate
• B. Chicanery
• C. Cogent
• D. Decorum

Answer: (A)

This question tests your knowledge of vocabulary for harsh punishment or strong criticism. The word that fits is castigate, a verb meaning to reprimand severely or to criticize harshly, often with a sense of moral condemnation. In context, you might read that someone was castigated for a careless error, signaling a strong, punitive rebuke.

The other terms don’t share that meaning: chicanery refers to deception or trickery; cogent means convincing or logically persuasive; and decorum denotes proper behavior or etiquette. So castigate is the word that specifically expresses punishing or harshly criticizing.