punish
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈpʌnɪʃ/
KK: /ˈpʌnɪʃ/
intransitive verb
Definition
To impose a penalty or consequence on someone for their actions or behavior.
Example
The teacher decided to punish the student for being late.
Tense Forms
Past: punished
Past Participle: punished
Conversation
Do you think it's fair to punish someone for a mistake they made?
It depends on the situation, but sometimes a little punishment is necessary.
Yeah, I guess it can help them learn a lesson.
Exactly! Just enough to make them think about their actions.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
penalize
discipline
chastise
Antonyms
reward
pardon
excuse
transitive verb
Definition
To make someone suffer for doing something wrong by giving them a punishment or penalty.
Example
The teacher decided to punish the student for being late to class.
Tense Forms
Past: punished
Past Participle: punished
Conversation
I can't believe they decided to punish him for being late again.
Yeah, it seems a bit harsh for just one mistake.
Exactly! They really should consider the circumstances before they punish someone.
Root Explanation
Punish → It is derived from the Latin 'punire' (meaning to inflict a penalty) and the suffix '-ish' (indicating to make or cause to be). The word 'punish' means to cause someone to suffer for an offense or wrongdoing.
Memory Tip
Think of 'punire' meaning to inflict a penalty — that's why punish means to make someone suffer for their actions.
Visually Confused Words
punyish
repunish
unwish
tunish
pulish
pukish
push
prepunish