punish

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.

“Punish” is pronounced PUH-nihsh (/ˈpʌnɪʃ/ in IPA).

Here is “punish” used in a sentence: “The school punished the students for cheating.”

Words with a similar meaning to “punish” include amerce, castigate, chasten, chastise, come down on and correct.

The opposite of “punish” — its antonyms — are forgive, let off and reward.

“Punish” is a verb.

The word “punish” comes from Latin. From Old French punir, from Latin punire, "to inflict punishment," from poena, "penalty.".

“Punish” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

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.

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.

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.