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Showing results for teach a lesson. Search instead for Learn-a-lesson.
Definitions

teach a lesson

VERB
punish
Synonyms
STRONGEST
abuse chastise correct crack down on discipline dismiss execute expel fine harm hurt incarcerate sentence
STRONG
batter beat blacklist castigate chasten cuff debar defrock exile flog immure injure lash lecture maltreat misuse oppress paddle reprove scourge spank switch train whip
WEAK
attend to beat up do in give a going over give the works knock about rap knuckles rough up slap wrist throw the book at
Antonyms
STRONGEST
aid assist benefit compliment help preserve welcome
STRONG
boost guard lose praise protect surrender
WEAK
award exonerate let go reward

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

These experiences do not always exist to be traumatizing or even to teach a lesson.

From Salon • Aug. 3, 2023

You may write to relay an event, to teach a lesson, or to explore an idea.

From Textbooks • Dec. 21, 2021

What a great opportunity for baseball to teach a lesson about fairness and playing by the rules to our children.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 15, 2019

Although his formal investigation largely has to do with tracing ballistics, Virgil makes time to take in the sights, teach a lesson to a vicious bully and sample the terrible cooking at Mom’s Café.

From New York Times • Oct. 5, 2018

I wished Mr. Mann would actually do his job and teach a lesson, or at least pay attention to the class.

From "Keep It Together, Keiko Carter" by Debbi Michiko Florence