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
But rather than reacting with a punishment, bring it back to building your relationship, Jordan says.
—
Liz Regalia, Parents, 30 June 2025
There was, however, a fateful exception: slavery or involuntary servitude would remain permissible as punishment for crimes.
—Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 30 June 2025
Márquez’s success prevented him from leaving Cuba, and as a result, he was sent to work in agriculture as punishment.
—Sarah Moreno, Miami Herald, 30 June 2025
This punishment did not stop his Sassicaia nor similar wines made by his colleagues from obtaining cult status in the American market.
—Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for punishment
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Liz Regalia, Parents, 30 June 2025
There was, however, a fateful exception: slavery or involuntary servitude would remain permissible as punishment for crimes.
—Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 30 June 2025
Márquez’s success prevented him from leaving Cuba, and as a result, he was sent to work in agriculture as punishment.
—Sarah Moreno, Miami Herald, 30 June 2025
This punishment did not stop his Sassicaia nor similar wines made by his colleagues from obtaining cult status in the American market.
—Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for punishment
Cite this Entry
“Punishment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/punishment. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.
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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