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
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
Research consistently shows that psychological safety, or the ability to speak candidly without fear of backlash or punishment, is foundational to organizational performance.
—
Tracy Lawrence,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2026
The degree of severity in punishment for violators varies based on the type of force used and the amount of property damage inflicted.
—
Matthew Kelly
july 1,
Kansas City Star,
1 July 2026
Rather than acknowledging the reckless play that earned her suspension, Thomas immediately shifted the focus to herself, portraying her punishment, rather than the hit on Clark, as the real injustice.
—
Alejandro Avila Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
30 June 2026
One rationale is an athlete who is doping could simply refuse a test and seek a lighter punishment.
—
ABC News,
30 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for punishment
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Tracy Lawrence,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2026
The degree of severity in punishment for violators varies based on the type of force used and the amount of property damage inflicted.
—
Matthew Kelly
july 1,
Kansas City Star,
1 July 2026
Rather than acknowledging the reckless play that earned her suspension, Thomas immediately shifted the focus to herself, portraying her punishment, rather than the hit on Clark, as the real injustice.
—
Alejandro Avila Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
30 June 2026
One rationale is an athlete who is doping could simply refuse a test and seek a lighter punishment.
—
ABC News,
30 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for punishment
Cite this Entry
“Punishment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/punishment. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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