How Do You Spell PUNISHMENT?

Pronunciation: [pˈʌnɪʃmənt] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "punishment" follows the traditional English spelling patterns. The initial consonant cluster "pn" is not allowed in English, so the "p" is moved to the second syllable, creating the syllabic consonant "m" in the first syllable. The vowel in the second syllable is spelled with "u," which represents the sound /ʌ/. The ending of the word is spelled with "-ment," which represents the suffix that creates a noun from a verb. The IPA transcription of "punishment" is /ˈpʌnɪʃmənt/.

PUNISHMENT Meaning and Definition

  1. Punishment is a concept associated with the imposition of penalties or negative consequences for an individual or group's actions or behavior that is deemed as wrong, immoral, or contrary to established laws, rules, or societal norms. It is a form of discipline aimed at deterring future misconduct and maintaining order within a community or society.

    Typically administered by an authority figure, punishment can take various forms, including fines, imprisonment, probation, community service, or even corporal or capital punishment, depending on the severity and jurisdiction. The objective is to inflict an unpleasant experience or harm upon the offender in order to discourage them and others from engaging in similar misconduct.

    There are several underlying principles associated with punishment. Firstly, it is intended to serve as a form of retribution, ensuring that the wrongdoer suffers an appropriate degree of harm in response to their actions. Additionally, punishment seeks to protect society by removing the offender's ability to cause further harm or discouraging others from committing similar offenses. It also aims to deter potential offenders by instilling a fear of negative consequences.

    However, punishment is not without controversy. Critics argue that it may not always be effective in preventing future offenses and can lead to various negative consequences, such as recidivism, human rights violations, or even perpetuating a cycle of crime. As societies evolve, there is a growing emphasis on incorporating rehabilitative and restorative justice practices alongside punitive measures to address the underlying causes of criminal behavior and facilitate positive changes in offenders.

  2. The infliction of suffering for a crime or fault; the suffering inflicted.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for PUNISHMENT *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for PUNISHMENT

Etymology of PUNISHMENT

The word "punishment" originated from the Latin word "poena", meaning "penalty" or "punishment". It was derived from the Greek word "poinē", which also meant "penalty" or "retribution". Over time, the Latin word "poena" evolved into "punimentum" in Old French and then became "punishment" in English.

Idioms with the word PUNISHMENT

  • be a bear for punishment The idiom "be a bear for punishment" means to have an extraordinary ability to endure difficult or unpleasant situations without giving up or complaining. It implies that someone has a high tolerance for pain, hardship, or challenges and can persevere through them.
  • be a glutton for punishment The idiom "be a glutton for punishment" means to willingly subject oneself to difficult or unpleasant situations, often repeatedly, despite the negative consequences or suffering involved. It implies that the person is consistently seeking or accepting more than their fair share of challenges or hardships.
  • glutton for punishment The idiom "glutton for punishment" refers to someone who seems to enjoy or willingly subject themselves to difficult, exhausting, or unpleasant situations, often in a repetitive or unnecessary manner.
  • a glutton for punishment The idiom "a glutton for punishment" refers to a person who willingly or excessively engages in or endures unpleasant or difficult experiences, often without any apparent reason or benefit. It implies the idea of someone who seems to enjoy or seek out challenging or punishing situations despite their negative consequences.
  • a glutton for punishment, work, etc. A person who willingly or habitually puts themselves in a difficult or challenging situation, often taking on more than they can handle.

Similar spelling words for PUNISHMENT

Plural form of PUNISHMENT is PUNISHMENTS

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