chasten
UK: ˈtʃeɪs(ə)n | US: ˈtʃeɪs(ə)n
vt. to discipline or correct by punishment or suffering
vt. to subdue or make humble
vt. to purify or refine (often used in a moral or spiritual context)
The word "chasten" traces back to the Latin castus, meaning "pure" or "morally clean," which evolved into Old French chastier (to correct or punish). The verb-forming suffix -en (from Old English) was added to create the Middle English chastien, later modernized to "chasten." Originally tied to purification through discipline, its meaning expanded to include humbling or refining effects, reflecting both physical correction and moral improvement.
The failure chastened him, making him more cautious in future decisions.
Parents sometimes chasten their children to teach them right from wrong.
Harsh criticism can chasten even the most confident individuals.
The team’s loss chastened their overconfidence before the finals.
Ancient monks believed suffering could chasten the soul.