Cambridge Dictionaries online Cambridge Dictionaries online

The most popular online dictionary and thesaurus for learners of English

  

punishing

noun
 
 
/ˈpʌn.ɪ.ʃɪŋ/ informal

Definition

take a punishing to be damaged because of rough treatment: My tyres took quite a punishing on the rough terrain.Damaging and spoilingDestroying and demolishing
(Definition of punishing noun from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)

Word of the Day

ride (out) the storm

to manage not to be destroyed, harmed or permanently affected by the difficult situation you...

Word of the Day

Blog

Read our blog about how the English language behaves.

Learn More

New Words

Find words and meanings that have just started to be used in English, and let us know what you think of them.

Learn More