penalize

American  

[peen-l-ahyz, pen-] / ˈpin lˌaɪz, ˈpɛn- /

especially British, penalise

verb (used with object)

penalized, penalizing

1. to subject to a penalty, as a person.

2. to declare (an action, deed, etc.) punishable by law or rule.

3. to put under a disadvantage or handicap.

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penalize British  

/ ˈpiːnəˌlaɪz /

verb

1. to impose a penalty on (someone), as for breaking a law or rule

2. to inflict a handicap or disadvantage on

3. sport to award a free stroke, point, or penalty against (a player or team)

4. to declare (an act) legally punishable; make subject to a penalty

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Other Word Forms

• nonpenalized adjective
• overpenalization noun
• overpenalize verb (used with object)
• penalizable adjective
• penalization noun
• repenalize verb (used with object)
• unpenalized adjective

Etymology

Origin of penalize

First recorded in 1865–70; penal + -ize

Example Sentences

Such an education won’t discourage or penalize students who dissent from a professor’s perspective or from views dominant on the campus.

From The Wall Street Journal

But on third down the Rams were penalized for delay of game.

From Los Angeles Times

But the challenge failed — with video ruled to be inconclusive — leading to Columbus being penalized with 1:15 to go in the second period.

From Seattle Times

The new bill would codify the ban and penalize doctors who violate it with up to five years in prison.

From New York Times

But the county stood alone in penalizing residents for sanitation issues that were outside their control, she added.

From New York Times

Related Words

• castigate
• chastise
• discipline
• fine