make an example of

idiom

: to punish (a person who has done something wrong) as a way of warning other people not to do the same thing

Although it was only his first offense, the judge decided to make an example of him and sentence him to prison.

Examples of make an example of in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

The best way to deter China from invading Taiwan is to make an example of Russia in Ukraine. —

Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2024 An ambitious prosecutor is keen to make an example of Covington, leading to a fiery battle worthy of an Ace Attorney game. —

Jef Rouner, Chron, 14 Sep. 2024 Jettisoning just a couple of thousand, to make an example of them, may be enough. —

Alec MacGillis, ProPublica, 1 Aug. 2024 Tesla watchers reason that, on the warpath, Musk decided to make an example of her and everyone who worked for her. —

Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 18 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for make an example of

Dictionary Entries Near make an example of

make an early night of it

make an example of

make an exception

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“Make an example of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/make%20an%20example%20of. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

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