pun·ish /'pə-nish/ vt
1: to impose a penalty on for a fault, offense, or violation
2: to inflict a penalty for the commission of (an offense) in retribution or retaliation or as a deterrent
vi: to inflict punishment
pun·ish·abil·i·ty /ˌpə-ni-shə-'bi-lə-tē/ n
pun·ish·able /'pə-ni-shə-bəl/ adj
pun·ish·er n
Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of Law. Merriam-Webster. 1996.