Punishment — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈpə-nish-mənt/ pun·ish·ment

Meaning & Definition of Punishment

Punishment (noun)

  1. the act of punishing
  2. suffering, pain, or loss that serves as retribution
  3. a penalty inflicted on an offender through judicial procedure

Punishment (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. suffering, loss, or hardship imposed in response to a crime or offense

    "he is serving five years in prison as punishment for aggravated assault"

    similar: castigation, chastisement, comeuppance, correction, desert(s), discipline, nemesis, penalty, wrath
    related: reprisal, retaliation, retribution, revenge, vengeance, assessment, charge, fine, mulct, example, sentence, confinement, imprisonment, incarceration, condemnation, damnation, denouncement, censure, criticism, rebuke, reprimand, reproof
    near: amnesty, indemnity, pardon, parole, acquittal, exculpation, exoneration, vindication, exemption, immunity, impunity, release, commutation, reprieve, absolution, forgiveness, remission, remitment, condonation, disregard, overlooking

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Punishment

The most common words with a similar meaning to Punishment:

castigation, chastisement, comeuppance, correction, desert(s), discipline, nemesis, penalty, wrath

Related Words for Punishment

reprisal, retaliation, retribution, revenge, vengeance, assessment, charge, fine, mulct, example, sentence, confinement, imprisonment, incarceration, condemnation, damnation, denouncement, censure, criticism, rebuke, reprimand, reproof

Near Antonyms of Punishment

amnesty, indemnity, pardon, parole, acquittal, exculpation, exoneration, vindication, exemption, immunity, impunity, release, commutation, reprieve, absolution, forgiveness, remission, remitment, condonation, disregard, overlooking

Origin & Etymology of Punishment

First known use: 15th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Punishment

Words & Phrases Containing Punishment

capital punishment, self-punishment, corporal punishment, cruel and unusual punishment, glutton for punishment, sucker for punishment

Frequently Asked Questions about Punishment

What does "Punishment" mean?

"Punishment" means the act of punishing. As a noun, it is defined as: the act of punishing.

What is another word for "Punishment"?

Other words for "Punishment" include castigation, chastisement, comeuppance, correction, desert(s), discipline, nemesis and penalty. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Punishment" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Punishment"?

There are 31 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Punishment". Common alternatives include castigation, chastisement, comeuppance, correction, desert(s), discipline, nemesis, penalty and wrath.

How do you use "Punishment" in a sentence?

Examples of "Punishment" in a sentence: "he is serving five years in prison as punishment for aggravated assault".

Is "Punishment" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Punishment" is a noun.

Is "Punishment" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B1-level word, "Punishment" is typical of Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET), IELTS band 4.0–5.0, TOEFL iBT 42–71, PTE Academic 43–58, TOEIC Listening & Reading 550+.

How do you pronounce "Punishment"?

"Punishment" is pronounced /ˈpə-nish-mənt/ and divided into syllables as pun·ish·ment.

What is the origin of the word "Punishment"?

First known use: 15th century.