Chasten: meaning, definitions and examples
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chasten
[ ˈchāsən ]
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
Word origin
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.
- ...
- 34863 accenting
- 34864 achiever
- 34865 crazier
- 34866 chasten
- 34867 frizzy
- 34868 untiringly
- 34869 unpopulated
- ...