1.NounThe act (action) or process of punishing, imposing and/or applying a sanction, typically by an authority or a person in authority (for example: a parent or teacher), especially when disappointed or dissatisfied with the behavior or actions of a child, student, or someone else being looked after.
"The naughty children were given a punishment by their teachers."
2.NounA penalty to punish wrongdoing, especially for crime.
"a light punishment; a harsh punishment"
3.NounA suffering by pain or loss imposed as retribution.
4.NounAny harsh treatment or experience; rough handling.