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
Even many diehard Trump supporters grimaced, fearful of punishment at the polls.
—
Eric Cortellessa, Time, 7 Aug. 2025
In addition to a 25% tariff set to go into effect Thursday, Trump also announced a 25% tariff on India that will go into effect later this month as punishment for importing Russian oil and gas.
—Kevin Liptak, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2025
Public speaking for me can be a mild form of punishment.
—John Malone, HollywoodReporter, 6 Aug. 2025
Any looming punishment like that builds resentment among the family; therefore, your wealth cannot be the carrot that brings everyone together.
—Harmon Kong, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for punishment
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Eric Cortellessa, Time, 7 Aug. 2025
In addition to a 25% tariff set to go into effect Thursday, Trump also announced a 25% tariff on India that will go into effect later this month as punishment for importing Russian oil and gas.
—Kevin Liptak, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2025
Public speaking for me can be a mild form of punishment.
—John Malone, HollywoodReporter, 6 Aug. 2025
Any looming punishment like that builds resentment among the family; therefore, your wealth cannot be the carrot that brings everyone together.
—Harmon Kong, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 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 22 Aug. 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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