punishment

noun

1. (countable, uncountable)The act (action) or process of punishing, imposing and/or applying a sanction, typically by an authority or a person in authority (for example: a parent or teacher), especially when disappointed or dissatisfied with the behavior or actions of a child, student, or someone else being looked after.

   “The naughty children were given a punishment by their teachers.”

2. (countable, uncountable)A penalty to punish wrongdoing, especially for crime.

   “a light punishment”

   “a harsh punishment”

   “But officials here maintain that their methods do make a difference, and they follow it up with post-release programs. The aim of Bastoy is not to punish or seek revenge, Nilsen said. The only punishment is to take away the prisoner’s right to be a free member of society.”

3. (countable, uncountable)A suffering by pain or loss imposed as retribution.
4. (countable, figuratively, uncountable)Any harsh treatment or experience; rough handling.

   “a vehicle that can take a lot of punishment”