ˈpənishmənt, -nēsh- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English punisshement, from Middle French punissement, from puniss- (stem of punir to punish) + -ment
1. : the act of punishing : the infliction of a penalty
2.
a. : retributive suffering, pain, or loss : penalty
rewards and punishments serve as the incentives to learning — L.W.Doob
b. : a penalty inflicted by a court of justice on a convicted offender : a penalty for an offense and for reformation and prevention ; broadly : any damage or pain inflicted on an offender through judicial procedure aiming at either prevention, retribution, or reformation — compare cruel and unusual punishment
3. : severe, rough, or disastrous treatment
the fighter had been subjected to heavy punishment in his losing bout — New York Times
parts in your automobile take thousands of miles of punishment without becoming tired — Hot-Metal Magic
the aggressor would receive terrific punishment which might well destroy the whole of his warmaking potential — A.P.Ryan