punish

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.

States, Jackson noted, have long assumed the power to punish medical professionals for what they say in addition to what they do.

From Slate • Mar. 31, 2026

His assessment came after he lamented the fact that social media algorithms punish “decency” and reward “flamboyant narcissism and controversy.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2026

“Instead, these measures appear designed to punish Anthropic,” she continued.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

Civil court is often seen as a more effective way to recover stolen money, primarily because the ultimate goal is to compensate victims rather than to punish offenders.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 19, 2026

I think about all the other ways Ollie Mae could punish me—no playing outside, extra chores, or a discussion about how what I did was wrong.

From "Betty Before X" by Ilyasah Shabazz and Renée Watson