Punish: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in general situations where someone is given a consequence for wrongdoing.

• Parents often punish children for breaking rules
• The law punishes those who commit crimes

Used often in legal or formal settings where an official penalty or fine is given for an infraction.

• The court penalized the company for violating labor laws
• The referee penalized the player for a foul

Used when teaching someone self-control and adherence to rules, often involving a structured approach.

• Parents discipline their children to instill good behavior
• The military disciplines soldiers through rigorous training

Used in more formal contexts where a person is rebuked or scolded, often verbally, for a mistake.

• The teacher chastised the student for speaking out of turn
• The manager chastised the employee for missing the deadline

Used when the main goal is to fix someone's behavior or mistake, rather than to inflict a penalty.

• Parents correct their children's behavior with guidance
• The coach corrected the player's technique

Used when someone is being disciplined for wrongdoing or breaking rules, often in a formal or legal setting.

• The teacher decided to punish the students for cheating on the exam.
• The law punishes those who commit serious crimes.

Used when someone is seeking retribution for a wrong done to themselves or to someone else; often implies a sense of justice.

• He vowed to avenge his brother's death.
• She sought to avenge the insult to her family's honor.

Used when someone responds to an attack or wrongdoing with a counteraction. It can be used in various contexts, from personal disputes to military actions.

• The company decided to retaliate against the unfair competition.
• He retaliated with a sharp comeback after being insulted.

Used to describe a more intense, often emotionally-driven act of retribution for a perceived wrong. It can carry a negative connotation.

• She was consumed by a desire for revenge after being betrayed.
• The villain sought revenge against the hero for past defeats.

Used informally to describe a personal act of retaliation or payback for a perceived wrong. It usually has a personal, often petty connotation.

• He planned to get back at her for spreading rumors about him.
• She got back at him by hiding his keys.

Use this word when referring to imposing a consequence for wrongdoing or bad behavior. It has a general and broad usage.

• The teacher decided to punish the students for their disruptive behavior.
• The criminal was punished with a long prison sentence.

Use this word in contexts where there is a formal consequence or fine imposed for a specific infraction or breach of rules, often in legal, sports, or official settings.

• The company faced a hefty penalty for violating environmental regulations.
• The player received a penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct.

Use this word in contexts related to official or formal actions taken to enforce laws or regulations, often in political or economic settings.

• The government imposed economic sanctions on the country to pressure it into compliance.
• The organization faced sanctions for failing to meet the required standards.

This word is suited for contexts where the punishment is seen as a form of revenge or moral balance, often carrying a more severe and formal tone.

• The movie depicted the hero's retribution against those who wronged them.
• The community sought retribution for the crimes committed against them.

This word is often used in a context that involves training or teaching someone to follow rules or a code of behavior. It can have a more neutral or positive connotation compared to 'punish'.

• Parents should discipline their children to help them understand right from wrong.
• The coach disciplined the players to improve their performance.