Definition

1. Verb:
   • To penalize / to punish: To impose a formal sanction, such as a fine or other penalty, on an individual or entity for violating a rule or law.
   • To fine: Specifically, to impose a monetary penalty as punishment for an offense.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Cảnh sát giao thông có quyền xử phạt người vi phạm. (Traffic police have the authority to penalize violators.)
  • Công ty bị xử phạt vì xả thải ra sông. (The company was fined for discharging waste into the river.)
  • Tòa án sẽ xử phạt nghiêm minh. (The court will punish strictly and fairly.)

Advanced Usage

• "xử phạt hành chính": administrative sanction/penalty.

  • Hành vi này có thể bị xử phạt hành chính. (This act may be subject to an administrative penalty.)

• "xử phạt tiền": to impose a monetary fine.

  • Mức xử phạt tiền được quy định rõ trong nghị định. (The amount of the monetary fine is clearly stipulated in the decree.)

Variants and Related Words

• Phạt (v): to punish, to fine. (A more general and commonly used term).

  • Họ phạt cậu bé vì không nghe lời. (They punished the boy for not listening.)

• Xử lý (v): to handle, to deal with, to process. (Broader, can include non-punitive measures).

  • Vụ việc đang được cơ quan chức năng xử lý. (The matter is being handled by the competent authority.)

Synonyms

• Penalize: To subject to a penalty, especially for a breach of rules.
• Fine: To require payment of a monetary penalty.
• Sanction: To impose a penalty for disobedience.

Related Idioms

• Xử phạt nặng / xử phạt nghiêm minh: to punish severely / to punish strictly and justly.
  • Luật mới xử phạt nặng hành vi buôn lậu. (The new law severely punishes smuggling activities.)