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punishment

[C/U] Both
pl: punishments

The word carries a strong sense of consequence and retribution. In a legal or formal context, it implies a structured system of justice where a penalty is deserved based on a rule violation. When used in a personal or casual context, it often describes an unpleasant task or experience that feels unfair or excessively grueling, shifting the tone from 'justice' to 'hardship'. In a physical sense, it refers to wear and tear. Here, the connotation is one of endurance and resilience, describing how much abuse a material or body can take before breaking.

Countable when referring to a specific penalty or sentence ('He received a stiff punishment'). Uncountable when referring to the general act of penalizing or the physical wear and tear on an object ('The engine can take a lot of punishment').

💬Conversación Casual

🎬Tuesday afternoon, Sarah is hiding in the breakroom while Jessica is at her desk.
Jessica

David wants you to redo the entire brand guide by tomorrow. He's totally out for blood.

Jessica
Sarah
Sarah

Great. This is just a straight up punishment for taking a long lunch.

💡
Sarah uses 'punishment' to describe an unfair workload imposed as retribution. The idiom 'out for blood' is used by Jessica to indicate David is in a vengeful or aggressive mood.

Meanings

Noun

The infliction of a penalty as retribution for an offense.

"The judge handed down a severe punishment for the crime."

Noun

Something unpleasant that one is subjected to, often as a result of bad behavior or poor luck.

"Cleaning the entire stadium was seen as a harsh punishment by the athletes."

Noun

Rough or violent treatment of an object or person.

"These hiking boots are designed to withstand a lot of punishment on rocky terrain."

Last Updated: May 26, 2026Report an Error