chasten
/ˈtʃeɪsən/
verb
- To make someone feel sorry or less proud, often by punishing or criticizing them, so that they improve their behavior.
- The coach's harsh words chastened the team after their poor performance.
- The teacher hoped the detention would chasten the disruptive student.
- He was chastened by the experience of failing the exam and studied harder afterward.
- To make something less extreme or more controlled; to subdue or restrain.
- Her enthusiasm was chastened by the reality of the difficult work ahead.
- The company's losses chastened its plans for rapid expansion.
- The storm chastened the waves, leaving the sea calm by morning.
Synonyms