Correct Answer: Punish

Solution : The correct solution is the first option.

Explanation : The word "penalise" is associated with imposing a penalty or punishment for wrongdoing or violation of rules. Therefore, the most appropriate synonym is punish . The grammatical aspect here involves understanding the context in which the word is used and selecting a word that maintains the intended sense.

Therefore, the correct synonym is punish .

The meaning of the other options is as follows:

• Praise : This term means to express approval or admiration.
• Pretend : This term means to behave as if something is true when it is not.
• Protect : This term means to keep something or someone safe.