punishing

IPA

Dictionary definition of punishing

Excessively demanding, rigorous, or physically and mentally taxing.
"He endured a punishing schedule of back-to-back meetings."

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Detailed meaning of punishing

It describes situations, activities, or tasks that require a significant amount of effort, endurance, or resilience to endure or complete successfully. When something is described as punishing, it implies that it is challenging, arduous, or punishingly difficult. It can apply to physical activities that push the limits of one's strength, such as punishing workouts or intense sports competitions. It can also describe mentally or emotionally draining experiences, such as punishing workloads, rigorous academic programs, or emotionally taxing situations. The adjective "punishing" suggests a high level of difficulty, exertion, or intensity that can be physically, mentally, or emotionally exhausting for those involved. It often conveys the sense that the task or experience requires exceptional effort or perseverance to overcome.

Example sentences containing punishing

1. The punishing workout left him exhausted but satisfied.
2. The marathon was a punishing test of endurance.
3. The hiker faced punishing weather conditions during the expedition.
4. The team faced a punishing opponent in the championship game.
5. The punishing academic workload left little time for relaxation.
6. She pushed herself through a punishing series of dance rehearsals.

History and etymology of punishing

The adjective 'punishing' derives its etymological roots from the verb 'punish,' which can be traced back to the Latin word 'punire.' 'Punire' meant 'to inflict a penalty' or 'to cause suffering' as a consequence for wrongdoing. Over time, the term 'punishing' has evolved to describe situations or tasks that are excessively demanding, rigorous, or physically and mentally taxing. In this context, it conveys a sense of hardship or severe difficulty akin to enduring a form of punishment. The etymology of 'punishing' underscores its connection to the notion of imposing a challenging and arduous experience, mirroring the idea of suffering or enduring hardship, albeit in a different context from its original punitive meaning.

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Further usage examples of punishing

1. The chef prepared a punishingly spicy dish that left diners breathless.
2. The punishing pace of the race challenged even the most experienced runners.
3. The punishing training regimen prepared the athletes for the upcoming competition.
4. The boxer's punishing punches wore down his opponent.
5. The punishing climb up the mountain tested their strength and determination.
6. The punishing workout left me sore for days.
7. Her punishing schedule left little time for relaxation.
8. Surviving in extreme conditions can be punishing.
9. The punishing heatwave made outdoor activities unbearable.
10. The punishing workload took a toll on his health.
11. The punishing hike tested our endurance and resolve.
12. The punishing exam required weeks of intensive study.
13. The punishing pace of the race left runners exhausted.
14. Climbing the steep mountain was a punishing challenge.
15. The punishing demands of the job caused burnout.
16. The punishing training regimen prepared them for the competition.
17. Surviving in the wilderness is a punishing experience.
18. The punishing practice sessions improved their skills.
19. The punishing winter storm disrupted travel plans.
20. A punishing work culture can lead to employee stress.
21. The punishing climb to the summit was worth the view.
22. Marathon running is a punishing but rewarding endeavor.
23. The punishing diet left her feeling deprived and hungry.
24. The punishing winds made sailing a daunting task.
25. Overcoming adversity often requires a punishing effort.