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REFERENCE

punishment

n.
US //ˈpənɪʃmənt// UK //pˈʌnɪʃmənt// pun·ish·ment
  1. 1 penalty for wrongdoing (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a penalty you receive for breaking a rule or doing something bad.

    a penalty or sanction imposed by an authority for a transgression, crime, or breach of rules.

    Example

    His punishment for arriving late to class was staying behind to clean the boards.

    Example

    The judge determined that the appropriate punishment for the offence would be community service rather than a custodial sentence.
  2. 2 harsh treatment (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    very rough or hard treatment that causes damage or pain.

    severe or rough treatment, often used figuratively to describe physical wear or damage to an object.

    Example

    These hiking boots are designed to take a lot of punishment on rocky trails.

    Example

    The small coastal town took a heavy punishment from the storm, with several buildings suffering significant structural damage.
Origin

From Middle English punishement, from Old French punissement, from punir (“to punish”). Equivalent to punish + -ment. Displaced native Old English wīte.

Idioms1 entry

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