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

The couple is set to face punishment for the horrific deaths during sentencing on July 10. — Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 25 June 2026

The city shows how quickly a violent act can be transformed into collective punishment. — Donathan L. Brown, The Conversation, 24 June 2026

The monument, located about 150 miles north of London, is traditionally thought to depict nine ladies turned to stone as punishment for dancing on a Sunday, according to the English Heritage charity. — Adam England, PEOPLE, 24 June 2026

This led to some viewers questioning why Bellingham, 23, did not receive the same punishment at Boston Stadium. — Amelie Claydon, New York Times, 24 June 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