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 of punishment

• 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

And in the 17th century, such events were explained as God’s punishment. — Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026

Different views on the topic Critics of the article’s comparison argue that Barrera’s case was not simply a punishment for supporting Palestinians. — Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026

Jolly has called for a new requirement that officers obtain a warrant from a judge before accessing Flock camera footage, while Donalds is pushing for harsher punishments to deter misuse. — Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2026

Holmes's revised sentence continues to reflect a just punishment for her serious offense and serves as a reminder that the scales of justice will balance. — Taylor Dunn, ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026

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