Punishment

/ˈpʌnɪʃmənt/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The infliction of a penalty as retribution for an offense.

The punishment for theft can range from community service to imprisonment.

Severe consequences or suffering imposed as a correction for misbehavior.

The teacher gave a harsh punishment to the student who repeatedly disrupted the class.

A penalty or adverse consequence applied for breaking a rule or law.

In ancient times, the punishment for treason was often death.

Middle English: from Old French punissement, from the verb punir, from Latin punire.

spare the rod, spoil the child

A phrase suggesting that without punishment or correction, a child may grow up to be undisciplined.

an eye for an eye

A principle that punishment should correspond in degree and kind to the offense.

pay the price

To suffer consequences for one's actions.

bring to justice

To apprehend and punish someone for their wrongdoings.

face the music

To confront the consequences of one's actions.

rehabilitation

The process of restoring someone to health or normal life through training and therapy after imprisonment, addiction, or illness.

consequence

A result or effect of an action or condition, particularly in reference to a punishment.

retribution

Punishment that is considered to be morally right and fully deserved.

Old school punishment

Getting grounded for a month was like old school punishment.

Time out

After acting up, he had to sit in time out as punishment.