what for

1. For what purpose or reason, why, as in I know you're going to England, but what for? [Mid-1700s]

2. A punishment or scolding, as in You'll get what for from Mom if she catches you smoking , or The teacher really gave Bud what for . [ Colloquial ; second half of 1800s]

Example Sentences

He had necessarily converted to Catholicism the year before to get ahead in 1880s antisemitic Vienna, and in his Second Symphony gave what for him was a new, desperate notion: Give heaven a whirl.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Israelis on Monday celebrated what for many feels like the end of the war.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Israelis celebrated the return of the living hostages on Monday, in what for many marked an end to the two-year Gaza war.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Although history has proven that by then, another player will have eclipsed what for now is a staggering salary.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

But when Snead later traded to the Atlanta Falcons what for the Rams was a fairly meaningless No. 26 pick, the Rams stunningly received in return a No. 1 pick in 2026.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• abuse 
• beating 
• discipline 
• forfeiture 
• retribution 
• sanction 
• suffering 
• torture 
• trial