punish Meaning, Definition & Usage

verb impose a penalty on; inflict punishment on
penalize; penalise.
- The students were penalized for showing up late for class
- we had to punish the dog for soiling the floor again

OE. punischen, F. punir, from L. punire, punitum, akin to poena punishment, penalty. See Pain, and -ish.

imperfect & past participle Punished ; present participle & verbal noun Punishing

To impose a penalty upon; to afflict with pain, loss, or suffering for a crime or fault, either with or without a view to the offender's amendment; to cause to suffer in retribution; to chasten; as, to punish traitors with death; a father punishes his child for willful disobedience.
A greater power Now ruled him, punished in the shape he sinned. Milton.
To inflict a penalty for (an offense) upon the offender; to repay, as a fault, crime, etc., with pain or loss; as, to punish murder or treason with death.
To injure, as by beating; to pommel. Low Syn. -- To chastise; castigate; scourge; whip; lash; correct; discipline. See Chasten.