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 Word Forms

• nonpunishment noun
• overpunishment noun
• prepunishment noun
• propunishment adjective
• repunishment noun
• self-punishment 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

When Escobar later escaped, pressure was put on his known acquaintances to help track him down - Higuita would end up copping a harsh punishment for his high-profile association with the notorious criminal.

From BBC

A statement from the Leagues Cup disciplinary committee said Suarez's suspension would only apply to next year's edition of the tournament, although Major League Soccer "reserves the right" to impose additional punishment.

From BBC

Bowie was particularly fascinated by crime and punishment.

From BBC

Current commissioner Adam Silver is just as adamant as Stern when it comes to enforcing salary cap rules, although the current CBA limits punishment.

From Los Angeles Times

Mary Roy turned much of her fury on her son, once beating him until a wooden ruler broke, punishment for being merely "average" while his sister excelled in school.

From BBC

Related Words

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