penalty

[pen-l-tee]

noun

plural

penalties 

1. a punishment imposed or incurred for a violation of law or rule.

2. a loss, forfeiture, suffering, or the like, to which one subjects oneself by nonfulfillment of some obligation.

3. something that is forfeited, as a sum of money.

4. a disadvantage imposed upon one of the competitors or upon one side for infraction of the rules of a game, sport, etc.

5. consequence or disadvantage attached to any action, condition, etc.

penalty

/ ˈpɛnəltɪ /

noun

1. a legal or official punishment, such as a term of imprisonment

2. some other form of punishment, such as a fine or forfeit for not fulfilling a contract

3. loss, suffering, or other unfortunate result of one's own action, error, etc

4. sport games a handicap awarded against a player or team for illegal play, such as a free shot at goal by the opposing team, loss of points, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of penalty¹

1505–15; ≪ Medieval Latin poenālitās. See penal, -ty ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of penalty¹

C16: from Medieval Latin poenālitās penalty; see _penal

Example Sentences

Depay scored once in Qatar, helping the Netherlands beat the USA in the last 16 before they were knocked out in the quarter-finals on penalties by eventual winners Argentina.

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As well as saving penalties for England, Pickford's most famous attribute is probably how animated he is on the pitch.

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Ertonguc is advocating for retail licensing, mandatory age checks, pre-market product testing and clearer health warnings to reflect the risk profile of vaping compared to smoking, and tougher penalties for those who break the rules.

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"You or me?" he asked the designated penalty taker.

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A government spokesperson said the chemicals industry was paying the fossil fuel penalty, with wholesale gas costs remaining 75% above their levels before Russia invaded Ukraine.

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Related Words

• cost 
• discipline 
• fine 
• forfeiture 
• punishment