There are multiple definitions - click on the translation that matches your context.

bestrafen

Verb

full

punish

verb

Definitions of punish

English

to make someone (or an institution) suffer because they have done something against the law, rules or regulations etc

We must punish these criminals.

English

to make someone or something suffer because of something they have done or it has done

If the government fails to act now it is likely to be punished by voters.