noun

punishment

PUN-ish-munt/ˈpʌnɪʃmənt/

Suffering imposed as a penalty for misconduct.

The player's punishment is dismissal from the field after receiving a red card.

An amateur soccer player receives a red card and leaves the field: a concrete sporting penalty for wrongdoing.

Etymology

The ending makes a noun from the act of punishing. Originally naming the infliction of suffering or loss for an offense, punishment also came to mean the penalty itself.

In context

Plainly Difficult238:29

As an additional punishment, drivers would have their pay cut during the dayshift education. They are also required to ask permission to use the toilet

Rewind Year 7 of Plainly Difficult | Youtube Omnibus

More examples

As punishment for cheating, he loses his place on the team.
The law sets strict punishments for selling stolen goods.
She believes the punishment should fit the crime.

Forms

punishment · punishments

punish verb — To impose a penalty for wrongdoing.

punitive adjective — Intended to impose punishment for wrongdoing.

Similar words

penalty: Names an imposed consequence, often without emphasizing personal suffering.
discipline: Often aims to correct behavior rather than cause suffering.
retribution: Emphasizes deserved repayment for a wrong rather than correction.