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Punishable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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punishable

[ˈpʌnɪʃəbl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

legal context

Punishable refers to actions or behaviors that are subject to penalties or punishment under the law. It implies that a specific act has legal ramifications, and individuals who commit these acts may face legal consequences, such as fines or imprisonment. The term is often used in legal contexts to describe offenses that violate statutes or regulations. Understanding what is punishable is essential for compliance with laws and regulations to avoid legal repercussions.

Synonyms

liable, punitive, retributive.

Examples of usage

  • The act of theft is punishable by law.
  • Assault is a punishable offense.
  • Driving under the influence is punishable in all states.
  • Tax evasion is a punishable crime.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Legal Context

  • In many societies, actions considered harmful can lead to fines or jail time, emphasizing that laws try to keep order.
  • The concept of punishment in law often aims to deter similar behavior by others, helping to maintain societal norms.
  • Different cultures have varied methods of punishment, ranging from rehabilitation to corporal punishment, reflecting their values.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers debate the morality of punishment, discussing whether it serves justice or merely seeks revenge.
  • Utilitarians argue that punishment should benefit society, while retributivists believe it should be a direct response to the crime.
  • The idea of 'just deserts' suggests that individuals should face consequences proportionate to their actions, which influences legal systems.

Cultural Practices

  • Many ancient civilizations had specific punishments that often reflected their cultural standards of right and wrong.
  • In some indigenous cultures, community-based sanctions are preferred, emphasizing restoration rather than punishment.
  • Restorative justice practices are gaining traction, focusing on healing rather than simply punishing wrongdoers.

Psychology

  • Research shows that the threat of punishments can deter certain behaviors, though excessive punishment may lead to rebellion.
  • Psychological studies highlight that understanding the reason behind a behavior often leads to more effective disciplinary actions rather than merely punishing.
  • Children often learn from consequences realistically, with both positive and negative experiences affecting future choices.

Literature

  • Many literary works explore themes of punishment, such as 'Les Misérables' which examines the life of a man condemned for theft.
  • Shakespeare often included punishment in his plays; for example, in 'Hamlet', the quest for revenge leads to a series of tragic consequences.
  • Fables and folklore frequently tell moral lessons through the punishment of characters, reinforcing social norms and ethics.

Origin of 'punishable'

The word 'punishable' originated in the late Middle English period, derived from the Latin root 'punire,' meaning 'to punish.' This Latin term has influenced many words in English related to punishment and law. The suffix '-able' denotes capability or suitability, thus together making 'punishable' symbolize the capacity for an action to incur punishment. Over the centuries, as legal systems evolved, the usage of 'punishable' expanded to cover a wide range of criminal behaviors and offenses across different jurisdictions, solidifying its place in legal terminology.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,766, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.