Synonyms for

Punish

Verb / ˈpʌnɪʃ / Another word for punish — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to cause someone to suffer for something they have done wrong or to discipline someone for bad behavior

Synonyms & similar words

penalise penalize penalize discipline correct chastise reprimand rebuke castigate reprove scold spank whip flog sentence

Synonyms by register

Formal

penalize chastise discipline reprimand

Informal

scold bawl out give a hard time tell off

Literary

chasten castigate admonish

Antonyms

reward praise commend applaud congratulate cherish encourage

Common collocations

  • punish severely
  • punish the guilty
  • punish offenders
  • punish by fine
  • punish for a crime
  • punish wrongdoing
  • punish the enemy

Word family

noun punishment
verb punish
adjective punitive
adverb punishingly

Usage note

While 'punish' can refer to imposing a penalty for an offense, it can also mean to treat someone or something harshly. Be mindful of the context to avoid unintended connotations.

Example sentences

  1. The teacher will punish the student if they misbehave in class.
  2. The judge will punish the criminal for breaking the law.
  3. My mom will punish me if I don't clean my room.
  4. The coach will punish the team if they don't practice hard.
  5. The principal will punish the student for skipping class.

Quotes

  • Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts. - Winston Churchill
  • The only way to do great work is to love what you do. - Steve Jobs
  • Believe you can and you're halfway there. - Theodore Roosevelt

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