chasten
verb (used with object)
to inflict suffering upon for purposes of moral improvement; chastise.
were chastening
-
past progressiveof chasten.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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 All Blacks lost only three of 13 matches in 2025, but, when they came, each of those defeats were chastening.
From BBC ● Jan. 15, 2026
While previous appearances on Wimbledon's Centre Court and the US Open's Louis Armstrong Stadium were chastening, Burrage settled well against the 20-year-old after another slow start.
From BBC ● Jan. 15, 2025
