Definitions

1. noun

a punishment or act of atonement for a sin or wrongdoing; a penalty for wrongdoing, especially as an act of self-mortification.

“She performed a penance for her past mistakes by volunteering at a local charity.”

2. noun

a period of time spent in doing something to make amends for a past mistake or wrongdoing.

“He spent the next few months as a penance for his role in causing the accident.”

3. verb

to punish or mortify oneself as a way of making amends for a sin or wrongdoing.

“He felt compelled to penance for his past mistakes by fasting and praying.”