B1verblaweducation
US/ˈpʌn.ɪʃ/
UK/ˈpʌn.ɪʃ/
to make someone suffer because they have done something wrong or broken a rule
In context
Some parents still punish their children by hitting them.
Drivers who use their phones should be punished more strictly.
The company was punished with a large fine for polluting the river.
Words that go with punish
verb + preposition
- punish forHe was punished for cheating in the exam.
- punished by lawSelling fake medicine is punished by law.
adverb + verb
- severely punishedCorruption should be severely punished.
verb + noun
- punish childrenExperts say it is wrong to punish children by hitting them.
- punish crimeThe courts must punish crime fairly.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
The teacher punished him because of talking.Correct: The teacher punished him for talking.