Tests machine for adjustment correction (12)
I believe the answer is:
chastisement
'correction' is the definition.
(synonyms)
'tests machine for adjustment' is the wordplay.
'for adjustment' indicates an anagram (I've seen this in other clues).
'tests'+'machine'='testsmachine'
'testsmachine' is an anagram of 'CHASTISEMENT'.
(Other definitions for chastisement that I've seen before include "Old fashioned discipline" , "Beating" , "Severe reprimand" .)