penalty

pen·al·ty

noun \ˈpe-n^əl-tē\

plural pen·al·ties

Definition of PENALTY

1

: the suffering in person, rights, or property that is annexed by law or judicial decision to the commission of a crime or public offense

2

: the suffering or the sum to be forfeited to which a person agrees to be subjected in case of nonfulfillment of stipulations

3

a : disadvantage, loss, or hardship due to some action b : a disadvantage (as loss of yardage, time, or possession of the ball or an addition to or subtraction from the score) imposed on a team or competitor for violation of the rules of a sport

4

: points scored in bridge by the side that defeats the opposing contract —usually used in plural

— penalty adjective

Examples of PENALTY

1. The company was given a severe penalty for the violation.
2. They allowed him to pay back the money without a penalty.
3. They allowed him to pay back the money without penalty.
4. Lack of privacy is one of the penalties you pay for fame.
5. The hockey player was given a penalty for holding.

Origin of PENALTY

Middle English penalte, from Middle French penalité, from Medieval Latin poenalitas, from Latin poenalis

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to PENALTY

Synonyms: damages, forfeit, forfeiture, mulct, fine

Related Words: reparations; assessment, award, compensation; indemnity

Near Antonyms: amnesty, indemnity, pardon, parole; acquittal, exculpation, exoneration, vindication; exemption, immunity, impunity; release; commutation, reprieve; absolution, forgiveness, remission, remitment; condonation, disregard, overlooking

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