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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

Other Words From

• self-pun·ish·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of punisher¹

punish ( def ) + -er ¹( def )

Example Sentences

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

From Project Gutenberg

No I came here to secure thy punishment, but I cannot condescend to become thy punisher.

From Project Gutenberg

Be conscience then his punisher, till heaven in mercy gives him penitence, or dooms him in its justice.

From Project Gutenberg

You swear like a Turk, sir; but, take heed; for our prophet is a severe punisher of promise breakers.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg