punishment Definition
- 1the act of making someone suffer because they have done something wrong or broken the law
- 2a penalty inflicted as retribution for an offense
Using punishment: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "punishment" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The punishment for stealing is imprisonment.
Example
He was given a severe punishment for his misbehavior.
Example
The teacher gave him extra homework as a punishment for being late.
Example
Capital punishment is still legal in some countries.
punishment Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for punishment
Antonyms for punishment
Phrases with punishment
a punishment that is appropriate in severity to the crime that has been committed
Example
Many people believe that the death penalty does not fit the crime and is therefore an inappropriate punishment.
if you do not punish a child when they do wrong, they will not learn what is right
Example
Some parents believe in the saying 'spare the rod and spoil the child' and use physical punishment to discipline their children.
accept the consequences of your actions
Example
He knew he had done wrong and was willing to take his punishment.
Origins of punishment
from Old French 'punissement', from Latin 'poena', meaning 'penalty'
Summary: punishment in Brief
The term 'punishment' [ˈpʌnɪʃmənt] refers to the act of making someone suffer due to wrongdoing or breaking the law. It can take many forms, such as imprisonment, fines, or extra work. Phrases like 'punishment fit the crime' and 'spare the rod and spoil the child' reflect the importance of appropriate punishment. 'Take your punishment' means accepting the consequences of one's actions.
