punishable

[ puhn-i-shuh-buhl ]

adjective

1. liable to or deserving punishment.

ˈpunishable

/ ˈpʌnɪʃəbəl /

adjective

1. liable to be punished or deserving of punishment

Derived Forms

• ˌpunishaˈbility, noun

Other Words From

• punish·a·bili·ty noun
• non·punish·a·ble adjective
• re·punish·a·ble adjective
• un·punish·a·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of punishable¹

1375–1425; late Middle English. See punish, -able

Example Sentences

Until then, identifying as any one of those sexual persuasions was illegal and punishable by expulsion from the service with a less than honorable discharge.

From Salon

The offence carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, while burglary is punishable by up to 14 years behind bars.

From BBC

Johnston pleaded guilty in July to interfering with police officers during a civil disorder, a felony punishable by a maximum prison sentence of five years.

From Los Angeles Times

In 1996, a Connecticut town instituted a ban on Silly String at carnivals, parades and other public events, punishable by a fine of up to $99.

From Los Angeles Times

A spokesperson added that while it isn’t illegal to aid smuggling from Germany to the UK, it is punishable to aid smuggling to Belgium or France, where Channel crossings take place.

From BBC