punishment

noun

pun·​ish·​ment ˈpə-nish-mənt 

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

Synonyms of punishment

• penalty
• wrath

Examples of punishment in a Sentence

I took away my daughter's car keys as a punishment for her bad behavior.

The punishments that the government has inflicted on the protesters are severe and unjust.

The punishment for murder is life imprisonment.

Some religions teach that wicked people will suffer eternal punishment in hell after they die.

Recent Examples on the Web

Some countries have laws administer what critics believe are cruel punishments or place undue restrictions on women and minorities. —Rachel Royster updated March 3, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Mar. 2026

Parents, school leaders and city officials are celebrating the adoption of a new student wellness policy in the School District of Philadelphia — one that for the first time guarantees daily recess, protects access to water and bathrooms, and bans silent lunches and collective punishment. —Eva Andersen, CBS News, 3 Mar. 2026

For the first time, the punishments would apply to certain misdemeanor offenses and offenses motivated by political hostility. —Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 3 Mar. 2026

Should the punishment for disagreeing with the government be the death of your business? —Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 3 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing punishment

• capital punishment
• corporal punishment
• cruel and unusual punishment
• glutton for punishment
• self-punishment
• sucker for punishment

Kids Definition

punishment

noun

pun·​ish·​ment ˈpən-ish-mənt 

1

a

: the act of punishing

b

: the state or fact of being punished

persons undergoing punishment

2

: the penalty for a fault or crime

the punishment for robbery

3

: severe, rough, or disastrous treatment

Legal Definition

punishment

noun

pun·​ish·​ment

1

: the act of punishing

2

: a penalty (as a fine or imprisonment) inflicted on an offender through the judicial and especially criminal process see also cruel and unusual punishment