τιμωρώ
timoró/ti.moˈɾo/
The Greek verb for punish is τιμωρώ (timoró).
τιμωρώ is used to describe the act of causing someone to suffer as a consequence for a crime or misconduct.
Meaning: to cause to suffer for crime or misconduct (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
The present tense τιμωρώ can be used to express an action happening right now or a habitual action. For the past tense, use the aorist form τιμώρησα (I punished) and for the future tense, use τιμωρήσω (I will punish).
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced as /ti.moˈɾo/, with the stress on the third syllable.
Did you know?
- The English word 'nemesis' comes from the Greek goddess Nemesis, who was the personification of divine retribution. Her role was not just to punish, but to ensure that no mortal showed too much hubris, or excessive pride.
- The root of τιμωρώ is closely linked to the concept of 'honor' or 'value', stemming from the Ancient Greek word 'timē'.
- In some ancient contexts, to 'punish' was literally to restore the 'honor' or 'status' of the person who was wronged.
Examples in context
- Ο πατέρας τιμωρεί το παιδί του για τη συμπεριφορά του.The father punishes his child for their behavior.
Example conversation
A parent talking to a child about bad behavior.
- Ελένη EleniΔημήτρη, δεν πρέπει να φωνάζεις.Dimítri, den prépei na fonázis.Dimitris, you must not shout.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΣυγγνώμη, Ελένη, δεν θα το ξανακάνω.Sygnómi, Eléni, den tha to xanakáno.Sorry, Eleni, I won't do it again.
- Ελένη EleniΑν το κάνεις, σε τιμωρώ αυστηρά.An to káneis, se timoró avstirá.If you do it, I will punish you severely.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΈνταξα, θα είμαι ήσυχος.Éntaxa, tha ímai ísychos.Okay, I will be quiet.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “punish” translations and entries τιμωρώ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries τιμωρώ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
