Main Entry:

pun·ish

Pronunciation:

\ˈpə-nish\

Function:

verb

Etymology:

Middle English punisshen, from Anglo-French puniss-, stem of punir, from Latin punire, from poena penalty — more at pain

Date:

14th century

transitive verb1 a: to impose a penalty on for a fault, offense, or violation b: to inflict a penalty for the commission of (an offense) in retribution or retaliation2 a: to deal with roughly or harshly b: to inflict injury on : hurtintransitive verb: to inflict punishment

— pun·ish·abil·i·ty \ˌpə-nish-ə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun

— pun·ish·able \ˈpə-nish-ə-bəl\ adjective

— pun·ish·er noun

synonyms punish, chastise, castigate, chasten, discipline, correct mean to inflict a penalty on in requital for wrongdoing. punish implies subjecting to a penalty for wrongdoing <punished for stealing>. chastise may apply to either the infliction of corporal punishment or to verbal censure or denunciation <chastised his son for neglecting his studies>. castigate usually implies a severe, typically public censure <an editorial castigating the entire city council>. chasten suggests any affliction or trial that leaves one humbled or subdued <chastened by a landslide election defeat>. discipline implies a punishing or chastening in order to bring under control <parents must discipline their children>. correct implies punishing aimed at reforming an offender <the function of prison is to correct the wrongdoer>.