Definition of PUNISHMENT

punishment

Meanings

Plural: punishments

Noun

  • the act of punishing
  • 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.
  • A penalty to punish wrongdoing, especially for crime.
  • A suffering by pain or loss imposed as retribution.
  • Any harsh treatment or experience; rough handling.

Origin / Etymology

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

Antonyms

reward

Scrabble Score: 17

punishment is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
punishment is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
punishment is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 21

punishment is a valid Words With Friends word