First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
chasten
verb chas·ten \ˈchā-sən\
: to cause (someone) to feel sad or embarrassed about something that has happened
chas·tenedchas·ten·ing \ˈchās-niŋ, ˈchā-sən-iŋ\
Full Definition of CHASTEN
transitive verb
1
: to correct by punishment or suffering : discipline; also : purify
2
a : to prune (as a work or style of art) of excess, pretense, or falsity : refine b : to cause to be more humble or restrained : subdue
— chas·ten·er \ˈchās-nər, ˈchā-sən-ər\ noun
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Origin of CHASTEN
alteration of obsolete English chaste to chasten, from Middle English, from Anglo-French chastier, from Latin castigare, from castus + -igare (from agere to drive) — more at act
Related to CHASTEN
Synonym Discussion of CHASTEN
punish, chastise, castigate, chasten, discipline, correct mean to inflict a penalty on in requital for wrongdoing. punish implies subjecting to a penalty for wrongdoing <punished for stealing>. chastise may apply to either the infliction of corporal punishment or to verbal censure or denunciation <chastised his son for neglecting his studies>. castigate usually implies a severe, typically public censure <an editorial castigating the entire city council>. chasten suggests any affliction or trial that leaves one humbled or subdued <chastened by a landslide election defeat>. discipline implies a punishing or chastening in order to bring under control <parents must discipline their children>. correct implies punishing aimed at reforming an offender <the function of prison is to correct the wrongdoer>.
CHASTEN Defined for Kids
chasten
verb chas·ten \ˈchā-sən\
chas·tenedchas·ten·ing
Definition of CHASTEN for Kids
: to correct by punishment : discipline
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