Entry Word: penalty

Function: noun

Meaning: 1 a feature of someone or something that creates difficulty for achieving success <a one-stroke penalty at golf> — see disadvantage
2 a sum of money to be paid as a punishment <the penalty for speeding is $10 for every mile over the speed limit> — see fine
3 suffering, loss, or hardship imposed in response to a crime or offense <the penalty for being mean to your sister is missing that party you were planning to attend> — see punishment