Punishing
/ˈpʌnɪʃɪŋ/
Definitions
- (adj.) Inflicting or intended to inflict punishment, especially harsh or severe sanctions.
The court imposed a punishing fine for the violation.
- (v. (gerund)) Present participle of punish; to impose a penalty for an offense.
The judge is punishing the defendant for contempt of court.
Forms
- punish
- punished
- punishes
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Often used adjectivally to describe severity, 'punishing' may imply harshness beyond ordinary punishment and is context-dependent in legal texts.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.