punisher

[ puhn-i-sher ]

noun
  1. a person who inflicts a penalty, such as pain, confinement, etc.:If your response is delayed, the dog will link the punishment to the punisher and not to the transgression.

  2. Sports. a person who plays or hits aggressively:The player is destined to be an all-American and an all-around punisher in the league.

  1. a thing that inflicts pain, discomfort, etc.:I ran out of time on the test because of one punisher—a question I should have left for last.

  2. something that deters or dissuades:Any stimulus which makes the behavior it follows more frequent is a reinforcer, even if it is intended as a punisher.

Origin of punisher

1

Other words from punisher

  • self-pun·ish·er, noun

Words Nearby punisher

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use punisher in a sentence

  • Justice always accompanies Him, and is the punisher of those who fall short of the divine law.

    Laws | Plato
  • No I came here to secure thy punishment, but I cannot condescend to become thy punisher.

    The Rise of Iskander | Benjamin Disraeli
  • Be conscience then his punisher, till heaven in mercy gives him penitence, or dooms him in its justice.

    The Gamester (1753) | Edward Moore
  • You swear like a Turk, sir; but, take heed; for our prophet is a severe punisher of promise breakers.

  • He was not only the rewarder of good but the punisher of evil.

    Greek Sculpture | Estelle M. Hurll