penal
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.pe·nal
adjective \ˈpē-nəl\Definition of PENAL
1
: of, relating to, or involving punishment, penalties, or punitive institutions
2
: liable to punishment <a penal offense>
3
: used as a place of confinement and punishment <a penal colony>
— pe·nal·ly \-nəl-ē\ adverb
See Examples of PENAL
- <Australia was once a penal colony.>
Origin of PENAL
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin poenalis, from poena punishment — more at pain
First Known Use: 15th century
Related to PENAL
- Synonyms
- castigating, chastening, chastising, correcting, correctional, corrective, disciplinary, disciplining, punitive, penalizing
- Antonyms
- nonpunitive
Other Legal Terms
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