chasten

[ chey-suhn ]

verb (used with object)

1. to inflict suffering upon for purposes of moral improvement; chastise.

   Synonyms: punish, discipline

   Antonyms: indulge

2. to restrain; subdue:

   Age has chastened his violent temper.

   Synonyms: humble

3. to make chaste in style.

   Synonyms: simplify, purify

chasten

/ ˈtʃeɪsən /

verb

1. to bring to a state of submission; subdue; tame
2. to discipline or correct by punishment
3. to moderate; restrain; temper

Derived Forms

• ˈchasteningly, adverb
• ˈchastener, noun

Other Words From

• chasten·er noun
• chasten·ing·ly adverb
• chasten·ment noun
• un·chastened adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of chasten¹

1520–30; chaste + -en ¹; replacing chaste (v.), Middle English chastien < Old French chastier < Latin castigāre; castigate

Word History and Origins

Origin of chasten¹

C16: from Old French chastier, from Latin castigāre; see castigate

Example Sentences

In short, a chastened Sri Lankan government will try to muddle through, hope the pandemic and Russia’s war in Ukraine end soon, and do its best to secure long-term financial health.

From Time

Wrapping up his ill-fated trip, the chastened duke turned to the monarchy’s age-old imperial play book, long an extension of the British government’s, for answers.

From Time

On Wednesday, in his first public statement after multiple allegations of sexual harassment, including from two former aides, he appeared chastened and sounded repentant, words normally not associated with the governor.

From Washington Post

The past 100 years have seen great casualties chasten leaders to say they can win the next war from above, without sacrifice.

From The Daily Beast

It should chasten other countries, which can only dream of such mobility.

From The Daily Beast

His delays are all designed for good, either to chasten or to try, and thus confirm and bless His people.

From Project Gutenberg

The great God above may chasten us in his wisdom, but rest assured He will never forsake us in His justice.

From Project Gutenberg

The lonesome fields and the crumbling houses would touch my imagination, and perhaps chasten my spirit.

From Project Gutenberg

But wisely before they preach unto others do they rouse themselves by virtues from the sleep of sin, and do chasten their bodies.

From Project Gutenberg

They are feminine in the best sense, and have all the feminine power to attract, to chasten, and to subdue.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• penalize

More About Chasten

What does chasten mean?

To chasten is to discipline, punish, or severely criticize, especially with the intention of improving someone’s behavior.

Chasten has many shades of meaning that are all somewhat similar. It can mean to tame or subdue, or to moderate or restrain someone’s behavior. In all cases, it typically involves some form of discipline or negative consequences for the person being chastened.

Chasten is a relatively formal word, and so are its close synonyms (like chastise, castigate, and reprimand), but it’s probably used less commonly than they are.

It’s often associated with Christian or other religious language due to its use in some translations of the Bible.

Example: My grandfather grew up in a boarding school, where he was chastened for even the most minor infractions.

Where does chasten come from?

The first records of chasten come from the 1520s. It comes from the French chastier, ultimately from the Latin castigāre, meaning “correct” or “punish,” or, more literally, “to drive to faultlessness” or “to compel to be pure.” The synonyms chastise and castigate also come from the same root.

The word chastise especially refers to corporal punishment, meaning physical violence used as punishment. No doubt, the word chasten has also been used to refer to such punishment throughout its history, and the word still implies some amount of suffering from the discipline being used. However, as the word is used today, that discipline typically refers to things like harsh scolding or other nonphysical punishments intended to get the recipient to stop behavior considered immoral or otherwise bad, as in My mother chastens me for my temper by making me think about what I do whenever I lose it. A temper itself can be chastened, or moderated. Similarly, chasten can also mean “to restrain or subdue,” as in Maturity has chastened my hastiness.

Did you know … ?

What are some other forms related to chasten?

• chastener (noun)
• chasteningly (adverb)
• chastenment (noun)
• unchastened (adjective)

What are some synonyms for chasten?

• chastise
• castigate
• reprimand
• reproach
• rebuke
• upbraid
• abase
• restrain
• tame

What are some words that share a root or word element with chasten? 

 

• chaste
• chastity
• chastise
• castigate

 

 

 

 

What are some words that often get used in discussing chasten?

• discipline
• behavior
• improve
• moral
• parent

How is chasten used in real life?

Chasten is a formal word that’s less commonly used than some of its synonyms, like chastise and reprimand. It’s sometimes used in religious contexts, especially in Bible verses.

I watched a doctor chasten some nurses. I should have said something, but I quietly observed. The doctor 's demands would improve outcomes for his patient, but that was lost in his tantrum. If I am ever in this situation I hope I chose to educate instead of humiliate.

— Mimi 18% certified organic carbon 1% chemical x (@mimidancer) January 3, 2018

The spartan productions that followed not only redefined what a Broadway show could be but also became symbolic of the challenges and triumphs of making art in a New York chastened by the 2008 financial crisis. https://t.co/Rr4LqCKYXc

— 🦩Blake Deadly🦩 (@blakepruitt) April 17, 2020

“Behold, happy is the man whom God reproves; therefore despise not the chastening of the Almighty.”

— Job 5.17

— RSV Catholic Edition (@RSV_CE) April 22, 2020

Try using chasten!

Which of the following words is NOT a synonym of chasten? 

A. rebuke
B. upbraid
C. scold
D. praise