'punisher' originates from English formed by adding the agentive suffix '-er' to the verb 'punish', which itself derives from Latin 'punire' meaning 'to punish' (ultimately related to Latin 'poena' meaning 'penalty').

The verb 'punish' entered English via Old French 'punir' (from Latin 'punire') and Middle English forms such as 'punishen'; the agent noun 'punisher' developed in Modern English by attaching '-er' to 'punish'.

Initially associated with the idea of imposing a penalty ('to punish'); over time it retained that core sense and 'punisher' has meant 'one who inflicts punishment'.