punish

[puhn-ish] / ˈpʌn ɪʃ /

VERB

penalize for wrongdoing

Synonyms

STRONGEST

abuse chastise correct crack down on discipline dismiss execute expel fine harm hurt incarcerate sentence

STRONG

batter beat blacklist castigate chasten cuff debar defrock exile flog immure injure lash lecture maltreat misuse oppress paddle reprove scourge spank switch train whip

WEAK

attend to beat up do in give a going over give the works knock about rap knuckles rough up slap wrist teach a lesson throw the book at

Antonyms

STRONGEST

aid assist benefit compliment help preserve welcome

STRONG

boost guard lose praise protect surrender

WEAK

award exonerate let go reward

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.

I pray for Iranian civilians and all in the region who are punished by a war they never sought and can’t escape.

From The Wall Street Journal

The league therefore faces a challenge: How to punish teams trying to lose while still helping those franchises that genuinely need it.

From The Wall Street Journal

Usually the pressure is on schools to make sure rules are not violated, but for Bylaw 600, schools can do everything right and still be punished for a player violating the rule on their own.

From Los Angeles Times

It turned out to be nothing but a brief dalliance for the couple, who struggled with the area’s punishing heat.

From MarketWatch

But they can punish those who mistake slick packaging for quality or easy access for safety.

From MarketWatch

punish

Example Sentences

Related Words