punishment
//ˈpʌnɪʃmənt//
Forms
- Plural
- punishments
Definitions
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.
- The naughty children were given a punishment by their teachers.
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.
Frequency
Overall
Uncommon· #3288
By learning goal
- Everyday conversation
- Rare
- General reading & writing
- Uncommon
- Academic
- Rare
- Literature
- Rare
Related words
Etymology
From Middle English punishement, from Old French punissement, from punir (“to punish”).
Equivalent to punish + -ment.
Displaced native Old English wīte.