What does the cryptic crossword clue "Eternal punishment of mother country (9)" mean?

The definition is "country". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). DAM (synonym of "mother") + NATION (synonym of "country"); definition: "Eternal punishment" The answer is DAMNATION.

Eternal punishment of mother country (9)

Guardian Cryptic #29094 | 1 Across | 2023-06-12 flower

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