Final answer:
Mores are highly significant norms within a culture, embodying moral principles, and violations can lead to severe social or legal consequences.
Step-by-step explanation:
Norms that are central to the functioning of a society and whose violation brings serious retribution are known as mores. Mores are norms that reflect the moral views and principles of a group and are considered highly significant within a culture or society. Violations of mores may result in serious consequences, ranging from social ostracism to legal punishment. For example, in many societies, acts like homicide are not only illegal but also seen as morally reprehensible, with laws and formal sanctions reinforcing this standard. Conversely, mores can also be enforced through informal norms, where public sentiment and cultural pressures ensure compliance. Such is the case with academic integrity rules in schools, where plagiarism is met with severe repercussions like expulsion due to its violation of cultural values surrounding original work and honesty.