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châtier

punish

verb shah-TYEH Rare

Also means

chastise

Usage Note

châtier carries a formal, literary register — you would rarely hear it in casual speech, where punir is preferred. The expression châtier son style means to refine or polish one's writing style, showing the word's range. The related noun is châtiment (punishment).

Examples

"Le roi décida de châtier les rebelles."

Natural Translation

The king decided to punish the rebels.

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