Dictionary entry

Punish

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Pun″ish (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p.Punished (?); p. pr. & vb. n.Punishing.] [OE. punischen, F. punir, from L. punire, punitum, akin to poena punishment, penalty. See Pain, and -ish.] 1. To impose a penalty upon; to afflict with pain, loss, or suffering for a crime or fault, either with or without a view to the offender's amendment; to cause to suffer in retribution; to chasten; as, to punish traitors with death; a father punishes his child for willful disobedience.

A greater power

Now ruled him, punished in the shape he sinned. Milton.

2. To inflict a penalty for (an offense) upon the offender; to repay, as a fault, crime, etc., with pain or loss; as, to punish murder or treason with death.

3. To injure, as by beating; to pommel.

Syn. — To chastise; castigate; scourge; whip; lash; correct; discipline. See Chasten.