punish

Everyday

1. To make someone suffer or lose something because they did something wrong, so they learn not to do it again. tree →
2. To treat something roughly: «the hot sun punished the plants». tree →

In the lessons

In school and family life, rules have consequences: a detention, losing screen time. In law, judges punish crimes with fines or prison. In stories, villains are punished in the end. Phrases: «punish someone for», «be punished», «punishing heat».

Examples

• The teacher punished us for being rude. tree →
• He was punished for cheating in the test. tree →
• My parents don't punish me if I tell the truth. tree →
• The thief was punished by the court. tree →
• In the story, the cruel king was punished. tree →
• It's not fair to punish the whole class for one person. tree →
• I could punish you now, but I’ll wait! tree →

Note

Past: punished. Noun: punishment. «Punish someone for doing something». Hitting or hurting a child is not a fair punishment; if someone hurts you, tell a trusted adult.

In Jewish tradition

In the Tanakh God punishes sin, often as a call to turn back. Punishing the righteous is called wrong.

Interpretation. The tradition teaches that God is just and that punishment aims at repentance. During the Ten Days of Repentance people ask forgiveness and return to God.

Examples

• Now will He remember their iniquity, and punish their sins; they shall return to Egypt. (Prophets HOS.8.13, JPS 1917) tree →
• To punish also the righteous is not good, nor to strike the noble for their uprightness. (Writings PRO.17.26, JPS 1917) tree →
• Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will punish all them that are circumcised in their uncircumcision: (Prophets JER.9.24, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Past: punished. Noun: punishment. «Punish someone for doing something». Hitting or hurting a child is not a fair punishment; if someone hurts you, tell a trusted adult.