sentence
/ˈsɛn.təns/ verb B2- To declare a sentence on a convicted person; to condemn to punishment. · The judge sentenced the embezzler to ten years in prison, along with a hefty fine.
- To decree, announce, or pass as a sentence.
He/she/it sentences · Past sentenced · Past participle sentenced · -ing form sentencing
Verb forms
- Base form
- sentence
- He/she/it
- sentences
- Past
- sentenced
- Past participle
- sentenced
- -ing form
- sentencing
From the library
He looked anxiously over his shoulder as he spoke, and then raised himself upon tiptoe, put his mouth close to her ear, and whispered “She’s under sentence of execution.”
She had already heard her sentence three of the players to be executed for having missed their turns, and she did not like the look of things at all, as the game was in such confusion that she never knew whether it was her turn or not.
All the time they were playing the Queen never left off quarrelling with the other players, and shouting “Off with his head!” or “Off with her head!” Those whom she sentenced were taken into custody by the soldiers, who of course had to leave off being arches to do this, so that by the end of half an hour or so there were no arches left, and all the players, except the King, the Queen, and Alice, were in custody and under sentence of execution.
“Sentence first—verdict afterwards.”
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