Library / English Dictionary

CHASTEN

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 I. (verb) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

Correct by punishment or discipline

Synonyms:

chasten; subdue; tame

Classified under:

Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc.

Hypernyms (to "chasten" is one way to...):

alter; change; modify (cause to change; make different; cause a transformation)

Sentence frames:

Somebody ----s somebody
Something ----s somebody

Sense 2

Meaning:

Change by restraining or moderating

Synonyms:

chasten; temper

Classified under:

Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc.

Hypernyms (to "chasten" is one way to...):

alter; change; modify (cause to change; make different; cause a transformation)

Sentence frame:

Somebody ----s somebody

Sense 3

Meaning:

Censure severely

Example:

She chastised him for his insensitive remarks

Synonyms:

castigate; chasten; chastise; correct; objurgate

Classified under:

Verbs of telling, asking, ordering, singing

Hypernyms (to "chasten" is one way to...):

bawl out; berate; call down; call on the carpet; chew out; chew up; chide; dress down; have words; jaw; lambast; lambaste; lecture; rag; rebuke; remonstrate; reprimand; scold; take to task; trounce (censure severely or angrily)

Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "chasten"):

flame (criticize harshly, usually via an electronic medium)

Sentence frame:

Somebody ----s somebody

Credits

 Context examples: 

On that occasion Professor Summerlee was the chief offender, and though he is now chastened and contrite, the matter could not be entirely forgotten.

(The Lost World, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)