English–French
“punish” in French
Pronunciation
IPA/pyniʁ/
Example
Le juge va punir le coupable.
The judge is going to punish the culprit.
How to say “punish” in French
“Punish” in French is punir.
A judge, parent, or authority places a negative consequence on someone after a fault.
Example sentences with punir
Les parents ont décidé de punir l'enfant.
The parents decided to punish the child.
Tips for using punir
- Punir spans ordinary discipline and legal punishment, so context determines whether the word sounds formal or everyday.
Other French words for “punish”
Il faut châtier ceux qui volent.
Those who steal must be punished.
Le professeur a pénalisé l'élève pour tricher.
The teacher punished the student for cheating.
Le professeur a sanctionné l'élève pour son retard.
The teacher punished the student for being late.