punishment

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   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. 2
   noun

   A penalty to punish wrongdoing, especially for crime.

   a light punishment

3. 3
   noun

   Any harsh treatment or experience; rough handling.

   a vehicle that can take a lot of punishment

4. 4
   noun

   the act of punishing

5. 5
   noun

   A suffering by pain or loss imposed as retribution.

Etymology

From Middle English punishement, from Old French punissement, from punir (“to punish”). Equivalent to punish + -ment. Displaced native Old English wīte.