punish
UK: ˈpʌnɪʃ | US: ˈpʌnɪʃ
vt. to impose a penalty for wrongdoing
vt. to discipline or correct through suffering or loss
vt. (archaic) to inflict retribution
The word "punish" originates from the Latin punire (to penalize), derived from poena (penalty), which itself traces back to Greek poinē (compensation, penalty). The morpheme "pun" preserves the core idea of penalty, while the suffix "-ish" (from Old French -ir or Latin -ire) marks it as a verb. Over time, the term evolved from legal retribution to broader disciplinary actions, reflecting societal shifts in justice systems.
The teacher will punish students who cheat on the exam.
Harsh laws were enacted to punish treason.
Some argue that prison fails to truly punish or rehabilitate.
In ancient times, rulers would punish dissenters publicly.
Parents should punish misbehavior consistently but fairly.