Punishment Meaning
/ˈpʌnɪʃmənt/Definition, CEFR level B1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
nounThe 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.
nounA penalty to punish wrongdoing, especially for crime.
Sentence Examples
An overwhelming majority voted to abolish the brutal punishment.
The child who was caught stealing apples bravely faced the music in accepting his punishment.
The punishment was harsh and unfair.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
The judge decided that the appropriate ____ for the robbery was ten years.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The judge imposed a severe ____ to send a clear message that such behavior would not be tolerated.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English punishement, from Old French punissement, from punir (“to punish”). Equivalent to punish + -ment. Displaced native Old English wīte.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"But officials here maintain that their methods do make a difference, and they follow it up with post-release programs. The aim of Bastoy is not to punish or seek revenge, Nilsen said. The only punishment is to take away the prisoner’s right to be a free member of society."
— 2012 May 24, John D. Sutter, “Welcome to the world’s nicest prison”, in CNN:
Explore More B1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The judge decided that the appropriate ____ for the robbery was ten years.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The judge imposed a severe ____ to send a clear message that such behavior would not be tolerated.