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.

An escalation shouldn’t punish the people more than the regime.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

The Catford fighter put that plan into action and started to punish Flores with hooks as she stepped out of the firing line.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

The former set the tone with unflappable correctness while his partner was more aggressive, and quick to punish bowling which began to err in line as the partnership grew.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

His assessment came after he lamented the fact that social media algorithms punish “decency” and reward “flamboyant narcissism and controversy.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2026

But she didn’t punish the other boy for being cruel.

From "My Life with the Chimpanzees" by Jane Goodall

punish

Example Sentences

Related Words