Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
punish
verb
/ˈpʌn.ɪʃ/
Definition
To subject someone to a penalty for an offense or wrongdoing.
Examples
- The teacher decided to punish the students for being late.
- Judges often punish criminals with fines or community service.
- To punish your pet for bad behavior can lead to anxiety.
- Parents sometimes punish their children to teach them a lesson.
Meaning
Punish means to impose a consequence or penalty on someone as a result of their actions, usually to discourage them from repeating the behavior.
Synonyms
- penalize
- discipline
- chastise
- correct
- reprimand
