v.tr. 1 cause (an offender) to suffer for an offence. 2 inflict a penalty for (an offence). 3 colloq. inflict severe blows on (an opponent). 4 a tax severely; subject to severe treatment. b abuse or treat improperly. punishable adj. punisher n. punishing adj. (in sense 4a). punishingly adv.
[ ME f. OF punir f. L punire = poenire f. poena penalty ]