punish

[puhn-ish] / ˈpʌn ɪʃ /

VERB

penalize for wrongdoing

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 teach a lesson 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.

All AI-generated texts, videos and images must be explicitly labeled and traceable, making it easier to track and punish anyone spreading undesirable content.

From The Wall Street Journal

However, organizations such as hospitals aren’t legally required to adopt cyber protections, and under current law there is no way to punish them if they fail to do so.

From The Wall Street Journal

"With questions now being posed... we may start to get a more realistic picture of who the winners and losers are likely to be, with the losers likely to be punished heavily."

From Barron's

But in a letter dated January 2025 - in reply to concerns raised by UN special rapporteurs - they said that Saudi Arabia "protects and upholds" human rights and that its laws "prohibit and punish torture".

From BBC

Netflix’s shareholders have punished the streaming giant, wiping tens of billions from its market value since its interest in Warner surfaced earlier this year.

From The Wall Street Journal

punish

Example Sentences

Related Words