懲

Penal servitude is served until indications show that one has had a change of heart (learned one's lesson). Easily confused with 刑 (#734) and 罰 (#896). Concentrate on the reasons behind the penal system ("changing people's hearts" here), instead of the penalty itself or the punishment (revenge) aspect. It may help to note that there's no sword, but a heart :-) (Note: 懲りる = learn from one's bad experiences).

Source: Kanji Koohii community