punish

pun·ish

verb \ˈpə-nish\

Definition of PUNISH

transitive verb

1

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 retaliation

2

a : to deal with roughly or harshly b : to inflict injury on : hurt

intransitive 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

Examples of PUNISH

1. I think that murderers should be punished by life imprisonment.
2. She was punished for lying.
3. His parents punished him by taking away his allowance.
4. How should I punish my child's misbehavior?
5. State law punishes fraud with fines.

Origin of PUNISH

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

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to PUNISH

Synonyms: castigate, chasten, chastise, correct, discipline, penalize

Antonyms: excuse, pardon, spare

Related Words: assess, charge, dock, fine, impose, levy, mulct; convict, sentence; condemn, damn, denounce; criticize, keelhaul, rebuke, reprimand, reprove; wreak

Near Antonyms: forfeit; get off, ransom, release; commute, reprieve; absolve, acquit, exculpate, exonerate, vindicate

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Synonym Discussion of PUNISH

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>.

Rhymes with PUNISH

Hunnish