chasten
Correct through suffering
Chasten means to discipline or correct, typically through punishment or suffering that leads to improvement.
The word carries a moral dimension—chastening isn't mere punishment but correction intended to purify or humble: The scandal chastened him.
A chastening experience leaves someone wiser but subdued: chastened by failure, she approached the next project more carefully.
Formal expression of disapproval
- scoldRebuke harshly
- admonishReprove with counsel
- rebukeExpress sharp disapproval
- reproveCensure for wrongdoing
chide · upbraid · berate · lecture · censure · reproach · criticize · correct
Penalize for wrongdoing
- correctFree from error
- trainRail vehicle or instruct
- restrainLimit freedom of movement
- controlAuthority to direct
regulate · enforce · strictness · severity · consequences · rectify · curb · check
Raise in quality
transform · rehabilitate · renew · reshape · change · growth · maturation · character building
Remove unwanted substances
- sanctifyMake officially holy
- cleanseRemove dirt or sin
- absolveRelease from guilt
- redeemRecover through payment
atone · repent · contrite · penitent · expiate · remorse · penance · mortification
Unassuming about oneself
- subdueBring under control
- deflateRelease air from
- mortifyCause severe embarrassment
- abaseTo lower in standing
soften · tame · bring low · cut down to size · humbling · put in place · take down a peg · modest
reprimand
Formal expression of disapproval
reprove · chide · upbraid · berate · lecture · censure · reproach · criticize · correct · warn
punish
Penalize for wrongdoing
control · regulate · enforce · strictness · severity · consequences · rectify · curb · check · subdue
improve
Raise in quality
better · transform · rehabilitate · renew · reshape · change · growth · maturation · character building · learn from mistakes
purify
Remove unwanted substances
redeem · atone · repent · contrite · penitent · expiate · remorse · penance · mortification · soul-searching
humble
Unassuming about oneself
abase · soften · tame · bring low · cut down to size · humbling · put in place · take down a peg · modest · sobered
- chastity beltLocking garment preventing intercourse
- vow of chastityPromise to abstain sexually
- chastity vowPledge of sexual abstinence
- chastity ringAbstinence commitment jewelry
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