B1nounlawcrime
US/ˈpʌn.ɪʃ.mənt/
UK/ˈpʌn.ɪʃ.mənt/
something unpleasant that is done to a person because they have broken a law or rule
In context
Many people think the punishment for drunk driving should be much tougher.
As a punishment, the students had to clean the classroom after school.
Research suggests that harsh punishment does not always reduce crime.
Words that go with punishment
adjective + noun
- capital punishmentSeveral countries have stopped using capital punishment in recent decades.
- harsh punishmentCritics say the harsh punishment did not fit such a small mistake.
- physical punishmentPhysical punishment in schools is now banned in many places.
verb + noun
- escape punishmentThe officials used their connections to escape punishment.
- deserve punishmentMost people agreed that the company deserved punishment for polluting the river.
noun + preposition
- punishment forThe punishment for selling fake medicine is up to seven years in prison.