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
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The Catholic Church, which has a long history of opposing the death penalty, believes capital punishment ignores the inherent dignity of all human life and has long advocated for death penalty alternatives. Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 24 June 2026 Prosecutors in Seminole County are seeking the death penalty against a man accused of twice raping his 6-year-old relative — marking the second time in recent months that Central Florida officials have sought capital punishment in such a case. Silas Morgan, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 June 2026 The state reinstated capital punishment in 1981 under a law co-written by DeWine. CBS News, 18 June 2026 The final decision on whether to pursue capital punishment will be made by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. Bonny Chu , Jake Gibson, FOXNews.com, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for capital punishment

Word History

First Known Use

1581, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of capital punishment was in 1581

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Cite this Entry

“Capital punishment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/capital%20punishment. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.

Legal Definition

capital punishment

noun
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