chasten

chas·ten

transitive verb \ˈchā-s^ən\

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

Definition of CHASTEN

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-s^ən-ər\ noun

Examples of CHASTEN

1. <chastened the child with five minutes of sitting in the corner>
2. <the unexpected loss to a second-rate player really chastened the tournament's top-seeded tennis star>

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

Related Words

assess, charge, dock, fine, impose, levy, mulct; convict, sentence; condemn, damn, denounce; criticize, keelhaul, rebuke, reprimand, reprove; wreak

Near Antonyms

forfeit; get off, ransom, release; commute, reprieve; absolve, acquit, exculpate, exonerate, vindicate

See Synonym Discussion at punish

Rhymes with CHASTEN

basin, hasten, Jason, mason