English Explanatory Dictionary

punishment

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. The act (action) or process of punishing, imposing and/or applying a sanction, typically by an authority or a person in authority (for example: a parent or teacher), especially when disappointed or dissatisfied with the behavior or actions of a child, student, or someone else being looked after.
  2. A penalty to punish wrongdoing, especially for crime.
  3. A suffering by pain or loss imposed as retribution.
  4. Any harsh treatment or experience; rough handling.

Pronunciation

/ˈpʌnɪʃmənt/ en-us-punishment.ogg

Word forms

punishment punishments

Etymology

From Middle English punishement, from Old French punissement, from punir (“to punish”). Equivalent to punish + -ment. Displaced native Old English wīte.

Synonyms

castigation chastening chastisement correction gruel punishment punition discipline sanction censure penalty sentence

Antonyms

reward acknowledgment guerdon meed payback recompense reguerdon remuneration

Related words

impunity punishable punisher punishing punitive punitory telishment

Derived words

antipunishment brute for punishment capital punishment collective punishment counterpunishment funishment glutton for punishment group punishment nonpunishment overpunishment petticoat punishment punishmental punishment pass self-punishment sucker for punishment unpunishment vicarious punishment
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