B1verb 1K

Punish

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˈpʌnɪʃ/","/ˈpʌnɪʃɪz/","/ˈpʌnɪʃt/","/ˈpʌnɪʃɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˈpʌnɪʃ/","/ˈpʌnɪʃɪz/","/ˈpʌnɪʃt/","/ˈpʌnɪʃɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Punish

to make somebody suffer because they have broken the law or done something wrong

In simple words: To make someone suffer for doing something wrong.

Punish in a sentence

• The teacher decided to punish the students for their poor behavior in class.
• It is not fair to punish someone for something they didn't do.
• Some parents believe that physical punishment is necessary to discipline their children.
• In the game, players can punish their opponents by taking away points.
• The law states that offenders will be punished according to the severity of their crimes.

How to use Punish

Use 'punish' when referring to correcting bad behavior. It can be formal in legal contexts but neutral with parents or teachers. Avoid in casual situations.

Grammar pattern

punish + object

Memory hint

Sounds like 'punish' — imagine a judge giving a punishment.

Related words

Collocations with Punish

• harshly
• severely
• justly
• want to
• try to
• be designed to
• by
• for
• with
• be punished accordingly

Synonyms for Punish

• discipline
• penalize
• correct
• reprimand
• chastise

Opposites of Punish

• reward
• pardon
• forgive

Common mistakes with Punish

• Confused with 'penalize' which is more formal.
• Using it without an object, e.g., 'He was punished' without stating by whom.
• Saying 'punish for', instead of 'punish someone for something'.

Frequently asked questions about Punish

What does Punish mean?

To make someone suffer for doing something wrong.

What is the definition of Punish?

to make somebody suffer because they have broken the law or done something wrong

How do you use Punish in a sentence?

The teacher decided to punish the students for their poor behavior in class.

Can you give another example of Punish?

It is not fair to punish someone for something they didn't do.

What are synonyms for Punish?

Common alternatives include discipline, penalize, correct, reprimand, chastise.

What is the opposite of Punish?

Opposite meanings include reward, pardon, forgive.

What words go with Punish?

It commonly pairs with harshly, severely, justly, want to, try to, be designed to, by, for, with, be punished accordingly.

What are common mistakes when using Punish?

Confused with 'penalize' which is more formal. Using it without an object, e.g., 'He was punished' without stating by whom. Saying 'punish for', instead of 'punish someone for something'.

How do you pronounce Punish?

US: /["/ˈpʌnɪʃ/","/ˈpʌnɪʃɪz/","/ˈpʌnɪʃt/","/ˈpʌnɪʃɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/ˈpʌnɪʃ/","/ˈpʌnɪʃɪz/","/ˈpʌnɪʃt/","/ˈpʌnɪʃɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Punish?

Use 'punish' when referring to correcting bad behavior. It can be formal in legal contexts but neutral with parents or teachers. Avoid in casual situations.

What CEFR level is Punish?

"Punish" is at B1 level on the CEFR scale.