On/under pain of something

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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.
Visual representation of "on/under pain of something" - At risk of a specified penalty as a result of doing something

Often appears as...

  • under pain of death
  • on pain of dismissal

Usage tips

Formal

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "on/under pain of something"
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Severity Highlight

Indicates a severe or serious consequence for not complying with a demand or rule.

Illustration for Severity Highlight
Access to this database is restricted, on pain of severe disciplinary action.
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Legal Usage

Often used in legal or formal contexts to stress compulsory obedience to laws or rules.

Illustration for Legal Usage
The signed contract must be honored, under pain of legal fines.
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Cultural Weight

The phrase can carry historical gravity, especially when used in contexts relating to past authoritarian practices.

Illustration for Cultural Weight
The medieval decree was to be followed, under pain of death.
Visual representation of the word "On/under pain of something"

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