punishment

[ puhn-ish-muhnt ]

noun

1. the act of punishing. punishing.
2. the fact of being punished, as for an offense or fault.
3. a penalty inflicted for an offense, fault, etc.
4. severe handling or treatment.

punishment

/ ˈpʌnɪʃmənt /

noun

1. a penalty or sanction given for any crime or offence
2. the act of punishing or state of being punished
3. informal.
   rough treatment
4. psychol any aversive stimulus administered to an organism as part of training

Other Words From

• non·punish·ment noun
• over·punish·ment noun
• pre·punish·ment noun
• pro·punish·ment adjective
• re·punish·ment noun
• self-punish·ment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of punishment¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English punysshement, from Anglo-French punisement, Old French punissement; equivalent to punish + -ment

Idioms and Phrases

see glutton for punishment .

Example Sentences

That was heard with their landslide approval of Proposition 36, which will increase punishment for repeated theft and hard drug offenses, including deadly fentanyl.

From Los Angeles Times

Ofcom, the UK watchdog enforcing the law, has warned that companies will face punishments if they fail to keep children safe on their platforms.

From BBC

DuVernay and supportive lawmakers have argued that the phrase allowing slavery as a punishment for a crime permits prisons to force inmates to perform labor, many for as little as several cents an hour.

From Los Angeles Times

"People who have committed heinous crimes - murderers, rapists, cannibals and paedophiles - they not only avoid punishment by going to war, the unprecedented bit is that they are being hailed as heroes."

From BBC

If he isn’t elected president, he could face punishment for these crimes.

From NewsForKids.net

Related Words

• abuse
• beating
• discipline
• forfeiture
• retribution
• sanction
• suffering
• torture
• trial