Punish

/ˈpʌnɪʃ/

Meaning & Definition

verb

To impose a penalty on someone for an offense or wrongdoing.

The school decided to punish the students who were caught cheating on the exam.

To inflict pain or suffering on someone as a consequence of their actions.

The judge decided to punish the criminal with a lengthy prison sentence.

To chastise someone in order to correct their behavior.

The coach would punish players who failed to follow team rules.

To cause someone to suffer for a mistake, wrongdoing, or transgression.

Parents often punish their children to teach them about consequences.

Middle English punische, from Old French punir, from Latin punire.

punish the guilty

To take action against those who have committed an offense.

punish with a heavy hand

To administer strict punishment or consequences.

punishment

The infliction of a penalty for an offense.

punitive

Intended as punishment.

To get back at someone in a humorous way.

I totally punished him in that debate.

To severely confront or chastise someone.

The teacher really punished that kid for being disruptive.