punishment

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   Something unpleasant done to someone because they have done something wrong.

   The naughty children were given a punishment by their teacher.

2. 2
   noun

   The act of making someone suffer for doing wrong.

   He believes punishment should help criminals change, not just cause pain.

3. 3
   noun

   Rough or harsh treatment that something has to bear.

   This vehicle can take a lot of punishment on rough roads.

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

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