Definitions

corporal punishment

NOUN

physical punishment

Synonyms

STRONGEST

spanking whipping

WEAK

beating flagellation flogging paddling

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

With his older brother John, he ran a school, having left a previous teaching post from a disinclination to administer corporal punishment.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

But, he adds, there is a "spectrum" of schools, with some incorporating psychotherapy for students and training for parents, or disciplining staff who carry out corporal punishment.

From BBC • Dec. 11, 2025

The departure of qualified teachers including women, regressive curriculum changes and the increase in corporal punishment have led to greater fear of going to school and falling attendance.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 5, 2023

Only three states fully ban corporal punishment at both public and private schools; 25 make it illegal in public schools, but allow private school teachers to use physical force as punishment for students.

From Slate • Sep. 12, 2023

From En-gland and Europe, the United States had inherited a system of mainly corporal punishment for crimes.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover