: something that you do or are given to do in order to show that you are sad or sorry about doing something wrong
She did/performed (an act of) penance for her sins.
He did charitable work as a penance.
Cite this Entry
“Penance.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/penance. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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