to cause someone who has done something wrong or committed a crime to suffer, by hurting them, forcing them to pay money, sending them to prison, etc.

Those responsible for these crimes must be brought to court and punished. 那些应对这些犯罪行为负责的人必须被送上法庭接受惩罚。

He punished the class by giving them extra work. 他给这班学生多留了些作业作为对他们的惩罚。

The oil company was found guilty on ten counts of pollution, and was punished with a $250 million fine. 这家石油公司被判犯有10项污染环境的罪状，被罚款2.5亿美元。

to punish anyone who commits a particular crime

Drunken driving can be punished with a prison sentence. 酒后驾车可被处以监禁。

to use or treat something badly, violently, or without care

He really punishes that horse of his. 他确实粗暴对待自己的马。