punish
verb (used with object)
to subject to pain, loss, confinement, death, etc., as a penalty for some offense, transgression, or fault.
is punishing
-
present progressiveof punish (3rd person singular).present progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or state that is currently taking place in the immediate present.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But what’s intended as a blow to the government is punishing the Cuban people.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 3, 2026
A lawsuit says the agency is punishing the outfit for its viewpoint.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 12, 2026
Milei has said passage of his proposed omnibus bill would create the basis for economic stability and growth, reining in inflation and reducing poverty, which is punishing four in 10 Argentines.
From Seattle Times ● Jan. 24, 2024
To reward Bezos’ faith in him, he’ll have to push forward with new experiments at a time when market is punishing excess spending.
From Slate ● Jun. 18, 2023
"I ought to tell, you know," she said in her precise voice; "it is very, very wrong of Molly to leave her bedroom when mother is punishing her."
From Light O' the Morning by L. T. Meade
