punishment

pun·ish·ment

noun \ˈpə-nish-mənt\

Definition of PUNISHMENT

1

: the act of punishing

2

a : suffering, pain, or loss that serves as retribution b : a penalty inflicted on an offender through judicial procedure

3

: severe, rough, or disastrous treatment

Examples of PUNISHMENT

1. I took away my daughter's car keys as a punishment for her bad behavior.
2. The punishments that the government has inflicted on the protesters are severe and unjust.
3. The punishment for murder is life imprisonment.
4. Some religions teach that wicked people will suffer eternal punishment in hell after they die.

First Known Use of PUNISHMENT

15th century

Related to PUNISHMENT

Synonyms: castigation, chastisement, comeuppance, correction, desert(s), discipline, nemesis, penalty, wrath

Related Words: reprisal, retaliation, retribution, revenge, vengeance; assessment, charge, fine, mulct; example, sentence; confinement, imprisonment, incarceration; condemnation, damnation, denouncement; censure, criticism, rebuke, reprimand, reproof

Near Antonyms: amnesty, indemnity, pardon, parole; acquittal, exculpation, exoneration, vindication; exemption, immunity, impunity; release; commutation, reprieve; absolution, forgiveness, remission, remitment; condonation, disregard, overlooking

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