penalty

American  

[pen-l-tee] / ˈpɛn l ti /

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.

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penalty British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of penalty

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

Example Sentences

Data brokers are required by state law to register with the agency and pay a yearly registration fee; failure to do so could result in civil penalties and fees.

From Los Angeles Times

A late Morgan Gibbs-White penalty gave Nottingham Forest a crucial away victory over West Ham, leaving the London side seven points adrift of safety.

From BBC

Areola's blunder handed Forest their decisive penalty in the 89th minute.

From Barron's

Como's French goalkeeper Jean Butez, one of the revelations of the season in Italy, saved a penalty six minutes from time.

From Barron's

The bill would also increase the maximum civil penalty for filing a fraudulent lien to $15,000, up from $5,000.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cost
• discipline
• fine
• forfeiture
• punishment