1. to discipline or punish in order to correct or improve behavior
Usage: third person singular present tense of ‘chasten’
2. to make someone more humble or subdued through hardship or criticism
Usage: often used in contexts of moral or spiritual improvement

Examples

• The coach chastens players who break team rules.
• Failure often chastens even the most confident individuals.
• The harsh criticism chastens her arrogant attitude.
• Experience chastens youthful overconfidence.
• The teacher chastens students who disrupt class.
• Adversity chastens the human spirit and builds character.