chasten
verb (used with object)
to inflict suffering upon for purposes of moral improvement; chastise.
chastened
-
past participleof chasten.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
-
past tense formof chasten.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
chastenverb (used with object)to inflict suffering upon for purposes of moral improvement; chastise.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The presenter said he told the teacher "I could call the police on you for that" and that the teacher appeared "chastened."
From BBC ● Oct. 7, 2026
A dozen years later, they were at least somewhat chastened.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 17, 2026
And we pundits, chastened by having been burned, are reluctant to get too far out over our skis.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 20, 2026
Marx, W. David concludes with some chastened suggestions for reconstructing a culture capable of producing “artworks that expand the possibilities of human perception.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 5, 2025
“I won’t mess with any more of your—stuff,” Donovan promised, chastened.
From "Ungifted" by Gordon Korman
