Banish/ˈbænɪʃ/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Punitive Action Used when describing a severe punishment by someone in authority. The queen banished the knight for defying her orders. Pro Tip 2/3Historical Context Often found in historical or fantasy stories involving rulers and subjects. For his treachery, he was banished from the empire forever. Pro Tip 3/3Formal Decree Implies a formal or official decision, not a casual one. The council held a vote and decided to banish the traitor.