ahnden
Translation
to punish, to penalize, to sanction
Examples
Der Verstoß wurde streng geahndet.
The violation was severely punished.
Man hat sein Fehlverhalten geahndet.
His misconduct was punished.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to punish (sth.) The state punishes tax evasion.
Similar Words
Synonyms: bestrafen, sanktionieren
Etymology
From Middle High German 'ānen' (to suspect, punish), related to 'Ahnung' (premonition). The idea is to punish something one has discovered.
Memory Tips
'Ahnden' is a formal, official punishment. Think of the 'hand' of justice coming down to 'ahnden' a crime.