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.

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.