Meaning
A voluntary self-imposed punishment for a sinful act or wrongdoing. It may be intended to serve as reparation for the act.
Etymology
Origin: Middle English
From Middle English penaunce, from Anglo-Norman, from Old French peneance, from Latin paenitentia (“repentance, penitence”). Doublet of penitence.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
castigatepenalizeamercechastenchastisecome down oncorrectfix someone's wagonhave someone's guts for gartershave someone's head
NYT Puzzle Appearances
Accepted in 5 recorded puzzles: