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 right side of Freeman's body took the punishment, but the 2024 World Series MVP apparently didn't break any bones. — ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026 Stern’s decisive response to the Malice at the Palace – the suspensions of the players as well as the punishments meted out to the fans – sent a clear message that such behavior would not be tolerated. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026 Photo by Chris Torres-Pool/Getty Images Key Facts A grand jury indictment added a special circumstance allegation of lying in wait, which can result in harsher punishments. — Antonio Pequeño Iv, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026 The device’s user manual also warns it should not be used in response to verbal defiance, or for punishment, torture or horseplay. — Ryan J. Foley, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 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

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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 13 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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