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

Offensive interference penalties erased both Lions scores, including one of the wildest plays ever seen as time expired.

From Los Angeles Times

The timing has to be impeccable and a penalty try and a yellow card are the punishment for getting it wrong.

From BBC

If a tie persists, then number of league assists are counted, and then least penalties scored.

From BBC

The penalty negated the touchdown, marking the second game-winning touchdown that was chalked off for offensive pass interference, and the game was over.

From The Wall Street Journal

The new protest laws will also allow police to restrict demonstrations at places of worship, with stronger penalties for breaches.

From BBC

Related Words

• cost
• discipline
• fine
• forfeiture
• punishment