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Chasten: meaning, definitions and examples

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chasten

 

[ ˈchāsən ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

moral correction

To chasten means to discipline or correct someone, often in a way that is intended to improve their character or behavior. It can involve instilling a sense of humility or reflection, suggesting that the suffering is meant to lead to personal growth. The term also implies a softer approach to correction, one that is more about learning from one's mistakes rather than punishment. Historically, it encompasses both physical and emotional correction, aimed at guiding the individual towards better choices.

Synonyms

correct, discipline, moralize, purify, refine

Examples of usage

  • His teacher sought to chasten the unruly student.
  • She felt that the experience would chasten him and make him more responsible.
  • The coach chastened the players for their lack of effort.

Translations

Translations of the word "chasten" in other languages:

🇵🇹 castigar

🇮🇳 शिक्षा देना

🇩🇪 züchtigen

🇮🇩 menghukum

🇺🇦 караати

🇵🇱 karcić

🇯🇵 懲らしめる

🇫🇷 châtier

🇪🇸 castigar

🇹🇷 cezalandırmak

🇰🇷 징계하다

🇸🇦 تأديب

🇨🇿 kárat

🇸🇰 pokarhať

🇨🇳 惩罚

🇸🇮 kaznovati

🇮🇸 refsa

🇰🇿 жазалау

🇬🇪 სჯა

🇦🇿 cəzalandırmaq

🇲🇽 castigar

Etymology

The word 'chasten' has its origins in the Middle English term 'chastenen,' which comes from the Old French 'chastier' (meaning to punish or to correct). This, in turn, traces back to the Latin 'castigare,' meaning to correct or to chastise, derived from 'castus,' meaning pure or chaste. The semantic evolution of the term has seen it shift from merely inflicting punishment to embodying a more nuanced meaning of guiding or refining behavior with the intention of moral improvement. This historical context illustrates the word's journey from physical correction to encompassing emotional and ethical dimensions in contemporary usage.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,866 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.