Thesaurus

punish

verb

Synonyms and Antonyms of punish

to inflict a penalty on for a fault or crime

the child was punished for breaking dishes on purpose

if caught, the thief will be severely punished

Synonyms of punish

castigate, chasten, chastise, correct, discipline, penalize

Words Related to punish

assess, charge, dock, fine, impose, levy, mulct

convict, sentence

condemn, damn, denounce

criticize, keelhaul, rebuke, reprimand, reprove

Near Antonyms of punish

get off, ransom, release

commute, reprieve

absolve, acquit, exculpate, exonerate, vindicate

Antonyms of punish

excuse, pardon, spare

Synonym Discussion of punish

punish, chastise, castigate, chasten, discipline, correct mean to inflict a penalty on in requital for wrongdoing. punish implies subjecting to a penalty for wrongdoing.

- punished for stealing

chastise may apply to either the infliction of corporal punishment or to verbal censure or denunciation.

- chastised his son for neglecting his studies

castigate usually implies a severe, typically public censure.

- an editorial castigating the entire city council

chasten suggests any affliction or trial that leaves one humbled or subdued.

- chastened by a landslide election defeat

discipline implies a punishing or chastening in order to bring under control.

- parents must discipline their children

correct implies punishing aimed at reforming an offender.

- the function of prison is to correct the wrongdoer

Learn More about punish

See words that rhyme with punish Dictionary: Definition of punish Spanish Central: Translation of punish Nglish: Translation of punish for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of punish for Arabic speakers

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