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

He had set up his own organisation, Zambesi Ministries, with funding from the UK - and was meting out similar punishments at camps that he marketed at the country’s top schools.

From BBC

The US government in a report last year accused Uganda of restricting internet freedom through the use of criminal punishments.

From BBC

But instead, he orchestrates another punishment, delivering her to the cops and sending her back to Arkham, where she suffered for years after being accused of a series of murders she didn’t commit.

From Los Angeles Times

Like it’s some sort of punishment — like play the victim — and D-Lo didn’t do any of that.

From Los Angeles Times

Even if Justice Merchan did reach for such a sentence, Trump’s team would almost certainly appeal it, delaying actual punishment.

From BBC

Related Words

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