What is another word for punish

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punish

/ˈpʌnɪʃ/

To subject someone to a penalty for an offense or wrongdoing.

Antonyms of punish

Nouns

Strongest matches:

- reward

- pardon

- amnesty

- reprieve

Weak matches:

- leniency

- mercy

- forgiveness

- acquittal

Verbs

Strongest matches:

- reward

- pardon

- acquit

- exonerate

Weak matches:

- forgive

- spare

- overlook

- dismiss

Synonyms

discipline, penalize, chastise, reprimand, correct, sanction, reprove, castigate, chasten, condemn, sentence, fine, whip, scold, rebuke

Usage examples:

1. The court decided to punish the offender with a ten-year prison sentence.

2. Parents often struggle with finding effective ways to punish their children for misbehavior.

3. In ancient times, societies would punish criminals by exile or even harsher methods.

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Frequently asked questions

What is a common antonym for 'punish' that implies offering a positive response instead of a penalty?

A common antonym for 'punish' in contexts where a positive response is given instead of a penalty is 'reward.' This implies recognizing and encouraging good behavior or achievements with a positive reinforcement.

If I want to convey the opposite of punishing someone in a legal or formal context, what word should I use?

In a legal or formal context, the term 'acquit' is often used to describe the action of freeing someone from a criminal charge, signifying the opposite of imposing a punishment. Another term that can be used is 'exonerate,' which means to absolve someone from blame for a fault or wrongdoing.

Is there an antonym for 'punish' that suggests correcting or guiding someone gently instead of penalizing them?

Yes, 'rehabilitate' can serve as an antonym in contexts where the aim is to correct or guide someone gently rather than penalizing them. It focuses on helping the individual to return to a normal, healthy, or constructive life.

For educational purposes, what word can be used to signify the opposite of punishing a student for bad behavior?

In educational contexts, 'praise' is often used as the antonym for punishing. It involves commending the student for positive behavior or achievements, thereby encouraging them to continue in a positive direction.