punishment

Everyday

1. A punishment is something unpleasant done to someone because they did something wrong, like losing playtime or paying a fine. tree →
2. Punishment is the act of punishing. tree →

In the lessons

In school and home life a punishment follows breaking rules: detention, losing screen time, time-out. In stories the villain often gets a punishment at the end. In lessons about fairness pupils discuss whether a punishment fits what was done. Phrases: «as a punishment», «a fair punishment», «escape punishment», «crime and punishment».

Examples

• As a punishment, he had no TV for a week. tree →
• Detention is a common punishment at school. tree →
• Is it fair to give the whole class a punishment for one person's mistake? tree →
• The thief got a punishment from the judge. tree →
• In the fairy tale, the wicked queen got her punishment. tree →
• A good punishment should help you learn, not just hurt. tree →
• Ingratitude sometimes brings its own punishment. tree →

Note

Countable and uncountable. Verb: «punish» (punished, punishing). Opposite idea: «reward». The word ends in «-ment». «A punishment» is not the same as «a consequence», although adults sometimes use them alike.

In Jewish tradition

In the Torah it means the penalty or the guilt for a wrong, and "iniquity" shows it is tied to sin.

Interpretation. Cain's words show that wrongdoing brings a heavy price, and the tradition sees both justice and mercy in how God answers him.

Examples

• And Cain said unto the LORD: 'My punishment is greater than I can bear. (Torah GEN.4.13, JPS 1917) tree →
• I also will walk contrary unto them, and bring them into the land of their enemies; if then perchance their uncircumcised heart be humbled, and they then be paid the punishment of their iniquity; (Torah LEV.26.41, JPS 1917) tree →
• A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment; for if thou interpose, thou wilt add thereto. (Writings PRO.19.19, JPS 1917) tree →
• The haters of the LORD should dwindle away before Him; and their punishment should endure for ever. (Writings PSA.81.16, JPS 1917) tree →
• Be ye afraid of the sword; for wrath bringeth the punishments of the sword, that ye may know there is a judgment. (Writings JOB.19.29, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Countable and uncountable. Verb: «punish» (punished, punishing). Opposite idea: «reward». The word ends in «-ment». «A punishment» is not the same as «a consequence», although adults sometimes use them alike.