On/under pain of something
preposition
At risk of a specified penalty as a result of doing something.
You are forbidden to discuss the trial outside this court on pain of imprisonment.
Often appears as...
- under pain of death
- on pain of dismissal
Usage tips
Formal
Idiomatic
preposition
At risk of a specified penalty as a result of doing something.
You are forbidden to discuss the trial outside this court on pain of imprisonment.
Often appears as...
- under pain of death
- on pain of dismissal
Usage tips
Formal
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Severity Highlight
Indicates a severe or serious consequence for not complying with a demand or rule.
Access to this database is restricted, on pain of severe disciplinary action.
Pro Tip 2/3Legal Usage
Often used in legal or formal contexts to stress compulsory obedience to laws or rules.
The signed contract must be honored, under pain of legal fines.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Weight
The phrase can carry historical gravity, especially when used in contexts relating to past authoritarian practices.
The medieval decree was to be followed, under pain of death.
Pro Tip 1/3Severity Highlight
Indicates a severe or serious consequence for not complying with a demand or rule.
Access to this database is restricted, on pain of severe disciplinary action.
Pro Tip 2/3Legal Usage
Often used in legal or formal contexts to stress compulsory obedience to laws or rules.
The signed contract must be honored, under pain of legal fines.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Weight
The phrase can carry historical gravity, especially when used in contexts relating to past authoritarian practices.
The medieval decree was to be followed, under pain of death.
Pro Tip 1/3Severity Highlight
Indicates a severe or serious consequence for not complying with a demand or rule.
Access to this database is restricted, on pain of severe disciplinary action.
Pro Tip 2/3Legal Usage
Often used in legal or formal contexts to stress compulsory obedience to laws or rules.
The signed contract must be honored, under pain of legal fines.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Weight
The phrase can carry historical gravity, especially when used in contexts relating to past authoritarian practices.
The medieval decree was to be followed, under pain of death.
Never forget "On/under pain of something"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension