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
The few who displeased or challenged him usually suffered some form of punishment, as Madigan held firm control over campaign funding on which most members relied for re-election.
—
The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
That’s not unusual for drug court, which focuses more on finding treatment and services for defendants rather than punishment and prison time.
—Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 18 Mar. 2026
But none of these events, which many women faced in Anglo‑Saxon England, were failures or punishments in the ritual.
—Literary Hub, 18 Mar. 2026
Smart did not specify what the punishments for Cole and Ikinnagbon would be.
—Connor Riley, AJC.com, 17 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for punishment
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The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
That’s not unusual for drug court, which focuses more on finding treatment and services for defendants rather than punishment and prison time.
—Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 18 Mar. 2026
But none of these events, which many women faced in Anglo‑Saxon England, were failures or punishments in the ritual.
—Literary Hub, 18 Mar. 2026
Smart did not specify what the punishments for Cole and Ikinnagbon would be.
—Connor Riley, AJC.com, 17 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for punishment
Cite this Entry
“Punishment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/punishment. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.
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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