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

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Republicans are cheering the jury’s decision, believing Penny was wrongly prosecuted by a politically motivated district attorney who sought to make an example of him. Jonathan Easley, The Hill, 10 Dec. 2024 During the plea hearing, his attorney Brian Steel delivered a heated takedown of the state’s case, accusing them of lying and contorting evidence — including Thug’s own lyrics — to make an example of his client. Justin Curto, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2024 Russia targeted Georgia not only to thwart Georgia’s NATO aspirations but also to make an example of it. Vasil Sikharulidze, Foreign Affairs, 10 Feb. 2023 The best way to deter China from invading Taiwan is to make an example of Russia in Ukraine. Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for make an example of 

Dictionary Entries Near make an example of

Cite this Entry

“Make an example of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/make%20an%20example%20of. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.

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