Library / English Dictionary

PUNISHING

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 I. (adjective) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

Characterized by effort to the point of exhaustion; especially physical effort

Example:

set a punishing pace

Synonyms:

arduous; backbreaking; grueling; gruelling; hard; heavy; laborious; operose; punishing; toilsome

Classified under:

Adjectives

Similar:

effortful (requiring great physical effort)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Resulting in punishment

Example:

the king imposed a punishing tax

Classified under:

Participial adjectives

Participle:

punish (impose a penalty on; inflict punishment on)

 II. (verb) 

Sense 1

-ing form of the verb punish

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