Main Entry: chas·ten

Pronunciation: \ˈchā-s^ən\

Function: transitive verb

Inflected Form(s): chas·tened; chas·ten·ing \ˈchās-niŋ, ˈchā-s^ən-iŋ\

Etymology: 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

Date: 13th century

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

synonyms see punish

— chas·ten·er \ˈchās-nər, ˈchā-s^ən-ər\ noun