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

Synonyms

• penalty
• wrath

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

So, a persistent felony offender convicted of a Class C felony would face the same punishment as someone convicted of a Class B felony. —Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 3 Sep. 2025

Analysts say any punishment would likely not be immediate, given the potential for appeals. —Julia Vargas Jones, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2025

The harshest punishment handed down bars Google from engaging in exclusive contracts that come with payments or licensing. —Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2025

Cats learn good behavior by praise, treats and rewards, rather than punishment for bad behavior. —Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing punishment

• capital punishment
• corporal punishment
• cruel and unusual punishment
• glutton for punishment
• self-punishment
• sucker for punishment

Kids 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

Legal Definition

punishment

noun

pun·​ish·​ment

1

: the act of punishing

2

: a penalty (as a fine or imprisonment) inflicted on an offender through the judicial and especially criminal process see also cruel and unusual punishment