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Definition of punish

punish

/ˈpʌn.ɪʃ/
pun · ish
Adjective:punishable
•
Past Simple:punished
•
Past Participle:punished
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Present Participle:punishing
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punish Lexical Profile

punish Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To inflict a penalty or sanction on someone as retribution for an offense, transgression, or fault.

Example

"The school board decided to punish the students who vandalized the library by assigning them community service."

2

To treat someone or something in an excessively harsh, rough, or demanding manner, testing their physical limits.

Example

"Running the marathon in the scorching midday heat really began to punish her joints during the final miles."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for punish

• Nearby Words

punch
pune
punica
punish
pup
pupa
pupfish

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the 14th century from Old French 'puniss-', the extended stem of 'punir', which comes from Latin 'punire' (to punish, correct, or take vengeance for), itself derived from 'poena' (penalty or punishment) and ultimately from Ancient Greek 'poine' (blood-money, fine, or penalty).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Punish. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 21, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/punish
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