# capital punishment

CEFR B2 · Compound

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/capital-punishment
Updated: 2026-08-05

## Definition

the legal killing of a person by the government as a punishment for a very serious crime.

For teachers: the legally authorized killing of someone as punishment for a crime, typically a felony such as murder or treason. Uncountable noun phrase used in legal and political discourse.

## Examples

- Many countries have abolished capital punishment in recent years.
- The debate over capital punishment often focuses on whether it actually prevents serious crimes from happening.
- The international community remains divided on capital punishment, with several nations maintaining it as a deterrent despite widespread calls for global abolition.

## Usage notes

- usually functions as an uncountable noun and is often used in formal or legal contexts.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'death penalty' (the most common synonym) and 'execution' (the act itself); 'capital' comes from the Latin 'caput', meaning head.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.