Punishment

/ˈpʌnɪʃmənt/ · noun

Meaning

The act (action) or process of punishing, imposing and/or applying a sanction, typically by an authority or a person in authority (for example: a parent or teacher), especially when disappointed or dissatisfied with the behavior or actions of a child, student, or someone else being looked after..

Definitions by Sense

1. The act (action) or process of punishing, imposing and/or applying a sanction, typically by an authority or a person in authority (for example: a parent or teacher), especially when disappointed or dissatisfied with the behavior or actions of a child, student, or someone else being looked after.
2. A penalty to punish wrongdoing, especially for crime.
3. A suffering by pain or loss imposed as retribution.
4. (figuratively) Any harsh treatment or experience; rough handling.

Example Sentences

The naughty children were given a punishment by their teachers.

a light punishment

a harsh punishment

But officials here maintain that their methods do make a difference, and they follow it up with post-release programs. The aim of Bastoy is not to punish or seek revenge, Nilsen said. The only punishment is to take away the prisoner’s right to be a free member of society.

a vehicle that can take a lot of punishment

Synonyms for punishment

Antonyms for punishment

Related Words

Word Forms

• punishments

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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