Pun"ish (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Punished (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Punishing.] [OE. punischen, F. punir, from L. punire, punitum, akin to poena punishment, penalty. See Pain, and -ish.]

1.

To impose a penalty upon; to afflict with pain, loss, or suffering for a crime or fault, either with or without a view to the offender's amendment; to cause to suffer in retribution; to chasten; as, to punish traitors with death; a father punishes his child for willful disobedience.

A greater power
Now ruled him, punished in the shape he sinned.
Milton.

2.

To inflict a penalty for (an offense) upon the offender; to repay, as a fault, crime, etc., with pain or loss; as, to punish murder or treason with death.

3.

To injure, as by beating; to pommel. [Low]

Syn. -- To chastise; castigate; scourge; whip; lash; correct; discipline. See Chasten.

 

© Webster 1913


Pun"ish, v. t.

To deal with roughly or harshly; -- chiefly used with regard to a contest; as, our troops punished the enemy. [Colloq. or Slang]

 

© Webster 1913

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