capital punishment

noun

: punishment by death : the practice of killing people as punishment for serious crimes

called also death penalty

Examples of capital punishment in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In another study, participants first reported their views on divisive topics, such as climate change, capital punishment and policing. — Andras Molnar, The Conversation, 13 Aug. 2026

The district attorney’s office did not seek capital punishment in the case. — James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 13 Aug. 2026

If convicted as charged, Reiner could also face a death sentence, though a decision hasn’t been made on whether to seek capital punishment. — Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026

What helped lawmakers decide to officially end capital punishment was a new willingness to stand up to Hezbollah. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 12 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1581, in the meaning defined above

Legal Definition

capital punishment

noun

: death penalty