Penance
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Pronunciation /ˈpɛn.əns/ · Part of speech noun
Quick meaning: Penance is a noun meaning A voluntary self-imposed punishment for a sinful act or wrongdoing. It may be intended to serve as reparation for the act.
Meaning
A voluntary self-imposed punishment for a sinful act or wrongdoing. It may be intended to serve as reparation for the act.
More Meanings
- A sacrament in some Christian churches that involves penitence (remorse plus restitution via prayer).
- Any instrument of self-punishment.
- To impose penance; to punish.
- (obsolete) repentance
- (obsolete) pain; sorrow; suffering
Example Sentences
Quoth he, "The man hath penance done, / And penance more will do."
She seem'd, at once, some penanced lady elf, / Some demon mistress, or the demon's self.
Word Forms
- penances
- penancing
- penanced
Synonyms for penance
Depending on context, synonyms include penitence, atonement, castigate, penalize, amerce, chasten.
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include repentance, penitence, self-abasement, punishment, retribution, chastisement.
Related Dictionary Tools
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.