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

An assessment of Nick Reiner’s mental health will take months and could influence whether prosecutors seek the death penalty, experts say.

From Los Angeles Times

Tariffs are often described as penalties imposed on foreign countries.

From MarketWatch

The European Commission imposed the penalty in December for violations including breaching its transparency obligation, triggering an angry reaction in the United States.

From Barron's

But a foul by Gael Clichy meant the Gunners conceded a penalty and allowed McFadden to score a 95th-minute equaliser – just a minute later than the one Tom Edozie scored for Wolves on Wednesday.

From BBC

Although a maximum 12-point penalty could have been imposed, the committee worked down based on Leicester's percentage overspend and settled on six in light of the club's "improving financial position" over the assessment period.

From BBC

Related Words

• cost
• discipline
• fine
• forfeiture
• punishment