verb

1. To cause to suffer for crime or misconduct, to administer disciplinary action.

   “If a prince violates the law, then he must be punished like an ordinary person.”

2. To treat harshly and unfairly.

3. To handle or beat severely; to maul.

Synonyms: castigate, mistreat

noun

1. Punishment.

adjective

1. That punishes physically and/or mentally; arduous, gruelling, demanding.

2. Debilitating, harsh.

   “a punishing blow”