penalize
verb (used with object)
to subject to a penalty, as a person.
penalizes
-
present tense formof penalize (3rd person singular).present tense
Used to describe things happening now or regularly.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Lockwood hears from parents who wonder if saving for college penalizes them when it comes to financial aid.
From MarketWatch ● Apr. 28, 2026
“It penalizes the very thing that we want, which is we want more employment.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 11, 2025
McKinnon penalizes his fellow drill sergeant by dismissing him from overseeing that unit.
From Salon ● Oct. 10, 2025
The program penalizes refineries that make high carbon fuel, such as diesel and gasoline, and benefits makers of lower carbon fuels such as renewable diesel.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 10, 2024
If we value strong families, we can't perpetuate a system that actually penalizes those who stay together.
From State of the Union Address by William Jefferson Clinton
