For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth. --Heb. xii.
6.
2. To purify from errors or faults; to refine.
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.