penance

About 2.01 uses per million words.

Meaning

1. noun A voluntary self-imposed punishment for a sinful act or wrongdoing. It may be intended to serve as reparation for the act.
2. noun A sacrament in some Christian churches that involves penitence (remorse plus restitution via prayer).
3. noun Any instrument of self-punishment.
4. noun repentance
5. noun pain; sorrow; suffering
6. verb To impose penance; to punish.

Similar words

repentance penitence self-abasement self-mortification punishment retribution chastisement contrition expiation reparation

Often followed by

for and in of is to was as on

Word family

penanced penances penancing