punishment

noun

pun·​ish·​ment ˈpə-nish-mənt How to pronounce punishment (audio)
Synonyms of punishmentnext
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

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The legal avenue initiates a civil proceeding where someone convicted of a crime can sue the state over allegations that their punishment — more than likely a prison sentence — violated the law. — Alex Brizee july 30, Idaho Statesman, 30 July 2026 The election law, enacted in July last year by the previous military government, imposes punishments of up to the death penalty for anyone who opposes or disrupts elections. — ABC News, 29 July 2026 The harsh punishment followed an altercation at FCI Fort Dix, unnamed sources told the outlet. — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 29 July 2026 Expulsion is the most severe form of congressional punishment and takes two-thirds of the chamber. — Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for punishment

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of punishment was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing punishment

Browse Nearby Words

punisher
punishment
punition
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Cite this Entry

“Punishment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/punishment. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

punishment

noun
pun·​ish·​ment ˈpən-ish-mənt How to pronounce punishment (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on punishment

Nglish: Translation of punishment for Spanish Speakers

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