"Flog" vs. "castigate": when words deliver a verbal lashing

Reviewed and edited by

Lloyd Cooper 24/10/2025, 19:35

English.me team member

Flog and castigate. What's the difference?

What is similar?

Both "flog" and "castigate" refer to forms of severe punishment and criticism, and are used to express strong disapproval or punitive actions towards someone.

What is different?

"Flog" primarily means to physically whip or beat someone as punishment, although it can also be used figuratively. "Castigate" is strictly used in the sense of criticizing or reprimanding someone severely, and does not imply physical punishment.

Which one is more common?

Examples of usage

Flog

The sailor was flogged for disobeying orders.
The manager was flogged in the press for his handling of the crisis.

Castigate

The teacher castigated the student for cheating on the exam.
Many people castigated the company for its environmental policies.