from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Chasten \Chas"ten\ (ch[=a]"s'n), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Chastened}
(-s'nd); p. pr. & vb. n. {Chastening}.] [OE. chastien, OF.
Chastier, F. Ch?tier, fr. L. castigare to punish, chastise;
castus pure + agere to lead, drive. See {Chaste}, {Act}, and
cf. {Castigate}, {Chastise}.]
1. To correct by punishment; to inflict pain upon the purpose
of reclaiming; to discipline; as, to chasten a son with a
rod.
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For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth. --Heb. xii.
6.
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2. To purify from errors or faults; to refine.
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They [classics] chasten and enlarge the mind, and
excite to noble actions. --Layard.
Syn: To chastise; punish; correct; discipline; castigate;
afflict; subdue; purify.
Usage: To {Chasten}, {Punish}, {Chastise}. To chasten is to
subject to affliction or trouble, in order to produce
a general change for the better in life or character.
To punish is to inflict penalty for violation of law,
disobedience to authority, or intentional wrongdoing.
To chastise is to punish a particular offense, as with
stripes, especially with the hope that suffering or
disgrace may prevent a repetition of faults.
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