Behavior Modification

noun a form of punishment where physical force is used to discipline or correct behavior

• Corporal punishment is a controversial disciplinary method used in some educational institutions.
• Some parents still believe in corporal punishment as a way to discipline their children.
• Using corporal punishment on kids is so old-school.
• In the court of public opinion, corporal punishment is seen as a relic of the past.

verb to subject someone to a penalty for an offense or wrongdoing

• The court handed down a punishing sentence to the convicted criminal.
• I heard that the teacher is giving out punishing homework assignments this week.
• I can't believe my boss is making us work such punishing hours.
• The punishing heat of the desert made the journey even more challenging.

noun a step or small platform used as a form of discipline for misbehaving children

• The child was placed on the naughty step as a form of discipline.
• I had to sit on the naughty step when I misbehaved.
• My mom always threatens to put me on the naughty step if I don't listen.
• Sometimes it feels like I'm on the naughty step at work when I make mistakes.