noun / verb
sentence
A punishment imposed by a court, or the act of imposing it.
The judge sentences the defendant after the verdict.
Etymology
Latin sententia means an opinion or judgment. The legal sense narrows that judgment to the court’s authoritative determination of punishment.
More examples
- She served a short sentence.
- They have sentenced the convicted offenders.
- Several sentences were reduced on appeal.
Forms
sentence · sentences · sentenced · sentencing
Similar words
- penalty
- A punishment, not necessarily imposed by a court.
- punishment
- The broader consequence for wrongdoing.