punisci

Punisci is the second-person singular present imperative form of the Italian verb punire, meaning to punish. It is used to give a direct command to someone addressed with tu. Example: Punisci chi ha commesso l’errore. In formal address, the corresponding imperative is punisca (Lei). The verb punire belongs to the -ire class and is conjugated in the present tense as punisco, punisci, punisce, puniamo, punite, puniscono.

Etymology: Italian punire originates from Latin poena, meaning penalty or punishment, and developed through medieval Latin into Italian. The related noun punizione (punishment) shares the same root.

Usage and nuances: Punisci is common in contexts of discipline, instruction, law, or moral admonition, and can appear in fiction or everyday speech to convey a directive to act against wrongdoing. It can be used literally or in a figurative sense. The negative imperative form is Non punire (do not punish). Pronouns can be attached to the verb in commands, as in Puniscilo (punish him/it) or Punisciti (punish yourself) when using the reflexive form intentionally. The tone of punisci is direct and potentially strong, so its use depends on the relationship between speaker and listener and the social context.

Related terms: punizione (punishment), pena (penalty), sanzionare (to sanction), castigare (to chastise). See also conjugation guides for punire.