Collocations for "punishment"
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word "punishment" in context.
WordReference English Collocations © 2026
punishment
ⓘMost examples are given in US English. We have labeled exceptions as UK.n
- a punishment for the crime
- cruel and unusual punishment
- punishment for your [crimes, poor behavior]
- deserve punishment
- the punishment you deserve
- in charge of the punishment
- punishment [in school, at home]
- punishment and sentencing
- criminal punishment
- [reinstate, inflict, carry out] a punishment
- meted out [severe, harsh] punishments
- a severe punishment
- the punishment was [reinstated]
- the punishment seems [severe]
- punishment that [matches, befits] the crime
- practice [corporal, capital] punishment
- the [car, truck] has taken a lot of punishment
- the [boxer, fighter] took severe punishment
- religion: eternal punishment (in hell)
'punishment' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):
escape
- fit
- ground
- visit
- praise
- capital
- harsh
- just
- damned
- deterrent
- effect
- disposition
- lash
- relaxing
- reprieve
- restoration
- foul
- nemesis
- nipple
- lengthy
- lenient
- lighter
- severe
- stern
- unduly
- unusual
- cruel
- fitting
- hefty
- sucker
- tackle
- merit
- leather
- exempt
- exact
- dispense
- discipline
- decree
- compel
- treason