corporal punishment
KOR-pur-ul PUN-ish-ment
/ˈkɔːrpərəl ˈpʌnɪʃmənt/
Physical punishment, such as caning or flogging, inflicted on the body of an offender.
Often used in the context of schools or parenting, but also historically in military and judicial settings.
The story behind the word. Derived from the Latin 'corporalis,' from 'corpus' (body). It distinguishes punishments that affect the physical frame from those that affect property (fines) or liberty (imprisonment).
Word relationships
- physical punishment: 'Physical punishment' is a broader, less formal term.
- non-physical discipline: Refers to methods like detention or loss of privileges.
Commonly confused with
- capital punishment: Corporal punishment affects the body (corpus); capital punishment affects the head/life (caput).
Word family
- corporeal (adjective): Relating to a person's body, especially as opposed to their spirit.
Collocations
- ban corporal punishment
- administer corporal punishment
- school corporal punishment
Example sentences
- "In many countries, corporal punishment in schools is now illegal, as it is seen as harmful to a child's development." School policy
- "The use of corporal punishment was once standard in the navy to maintain discipline among the crew." Historical context
Memory hook
'Corporal' sounds like 'Corpse,' which is a body. Corporal punishment is punishment of the body. Corp = Body.
When not to use
Do not use for psychological or financial punishments.
Fun facts
- As of 2024, corporal punishment is still legal in private schools in many U.S. states.
- The 'paddle' is the most common tool for corporal punishment in American schools.
Related words
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.