punishment

word

/ˈpənɪʃmənt/
PUH-nish-muhnt
/pˈʌnɪʃmənt/
PUH-nish-muhnt

Definition

A punishment is something unpleasant that happens to someone because they did something wrong or broke a rule. It can happen at home, at school, in sports, or in legal situations.

Usage & Nuances

Often used in general situations and in law. Common combinations include 'severe punishment', 'physical punishment', 'deserve punishment', and 'face punishment'. 'Punishment' is the result; 'punish' is the verb.

Example Sentences

Missing the concert was bad enough, but paying for the tickets too felt like extra punishment.

natural

The teacher gave him punishment for breaking the classroom rules.

basic

Losing his phone felt like a punishment.

basic

The law says the crime needs a fair punishment.

basic

A late fee isn’t meant as punishment; it’s there to make people return books on time.

natural

He saw criticism as punishment, even when people were just trying to help.

natural