v.
Pronunciation: ' p ə -nish
Function: verb
Etymology: Middle English punisshen, from Anglo-French puniss-, stem of punir, from Latin punire, from poena penalty ― more at PAIN
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
1 a : to impose a penalty on for a fault, offense, or violation b : to inflict a penalty for the commission of (an offense) in retribution or retaliation
2 a : to deal with roughly or harshly b : to inflict injury on : HURT
intransitive verb : to inflict punishment
– pun · ish · abil · i · ty \ ˌ p ə -nish- ə - ' bi-l ə -t ē \ noun
– pun · ish · able \ ' p ə -nish- ə -b ə l \ adjective
– pun · ish · er noun
synonyms PUNISH , CHASTISE , CASTIGATE , CHASTEN , DISCIPLINE , CORRECT mean to inflict a penalty on in requital for wrongdoing. PUNISH implies subjecting to a penalty for wrongdoing < punished for stealing>. CHASTISE may apply to either the infliction of corporal punishment or to verbal censure or denunciation < chastised his son for neglecting his studies>. CASTIGATE usually implies a severe, typically public censure <an editorial castigating the entire city council>. CHASTEN suggests any affliction or trial that leaves one humbled or subdued < chastened by a landslide election defeat>. DISCIPLINE implies a punishing or chastening in order to bring under control <parents must discipline their children>. CORRECT implies punishing aimed at reforming an offender <the function of prison is to correct the wrongdoer>.