chasten

verb chas·ten \ˈchā-s^ən\

: to cause (someone) to feel sad or embarrassed about something that has happened

chas·tenedchas·ten·ing \ˈchās-niŋ, ˈchā-s^ən-iŋ\

Full Definition of CHASTEN

transitive verb

: to correct by punishment or suffering : discipline; also : purify

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-s^ən-ər\ noun

See chasten defined for English-language learners

See chasten defined for kids

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

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to CHASTEN

Synonyms: castigate, punish, chastise, correct, discipline, penalize

Antonyms: excuse, pardon, spare

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>.