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

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

From BBC

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.

From BBC

Any person or firm that does not comply with sanctions could face "large financial penalties or criminal prosecution".

From BBC

Hamilton hung on in front of Fernando Alonso's Aston Martin but was given a five-second penalty for leaving the track multiple times without a justifiable reason, which promoted the Spaniard to seventh.

From BBC

Officials halted the game briefly and called 15-yard penalties on Sierra Canyon and Serra.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cost 
• discipline 
• fine 
• forfeiture 
• punishment