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 the past, DeSantis has said that the surge in executions can be explained in part because of the pause on all capital punishment during COVID and that the state has a duty to help bring justice to the victims’ families. — Miami Herald, 22 Aug. 2026

Japan has faced growing criticism over its use of the death penalty, as a majority of the international community has abolished capital punishment. — CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026

Calls to abolish capital punishment or increase transparency have grown after the 2024 acquittal of the world’s longest-serving death-row inmate, Iwao Hakamada. — ABC News, 21 Aug. 2026

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

Word History

First Known Use

1581, in the meaning defined above

Legal Definition

capital punishment

noun

: death penalty