punish
26 synonyms and 3 antonyms for punish, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To make someone suffer a penalty for wrongdoing or misconduct.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use punish
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French punir, from Latin punire, "to inflict punishment," from poena, "penalty."
Full origin of punish →Frequently asked questions
What does “punish” mean?
The word “punish” means to make someone suffer a penalty for wrongdoing or misconduct. In plain terms, to make someone pay a penalty for doing something wrong.
How do you pronounce “punish”?
“Punish” is pronounced PUH-nihsh (/ˈpʌnɪʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “punish” in a sentence?
Here is “punish” used in a sentence: “The school punished the students for cheating.”
What is another word for “punish”?
Words with a similar meaning to “punish” include amerce, castigate, chasten, chastise, come down on and correct.
What is the opposite of “punish”?
The opposite of “punish” — its antonyms — are forgive, let off and reward.
What part of speech is “punish”?
“Punish” is a verb.
Where does the word “punish” come from?
The word “punish” comes from Latin. From Old French punir, from Latin punire, "to inflict punishment," from poena, "penalty.".
Is “punish” a common word?
“Punish” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between "punish" and "discipline"?
To punish is to impose a penalty for wrongdoing, focusing on the consequence, while to discipline emphasises correcting behaviour and teaching, often with a longer-term aim. Discipline can include punishment but also guidance, whereas punishment centres on the penalty itself.
What is the difference between "punish" and "penalise"?
Both mean to impose a consequence for wrongdoing, but "penalise" often refers to a specific, formal penalty, especially in sports, games, or rules. "Punish" is broader and can cover any suffering imposed for misconduct, from a fine to a scolding.
Is someone punished "for" something or "by" something?
You are punished "for" the offence and punished "by" or "with" the penalty — for example, "punished for cheating" and "punished with a fine." The word "for" marks the wrongdoing, while "by" or "with" marks the means of punishment.