penalize

verb

pe·​nal·​ize ˈpē-nə-ˌlīz  ˈpe- 

penalized; penalizing

transitive verb

1

: to inflict a penalty on

2

: to put at a serious disadvantage

penalization

ˈpē-nə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

Synonyms

• punish

Examples of penalize in a Sentence

The company was penalized for not paying taxes.

The hockey player was penalized for holding.

This law would unfairly penalize immigrants.

Recent Examples on the Web

The idea behind these protections is that customers should not be penalized for choosing to pay with money that comes directly from their bank account. —Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Sep. 2025

Gabriel Georges still ran for 136 yards and two TDs in just two quarters and even while being penalized, provided a quite on-the-nose representation of where the Red Raiders appear to sit in comparison to their TSSAA football Division II-AAA foes. —Jacob Shames, Nashville Tennessean, 24 Sep. 2025

The internet regulator has also recently penalized internet platforms for failing to moderate content posted on their sites. —John Liu, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2025

Cities that fail to meet their housing allocation can be penalized. —Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for penalize

• advertise
• aggrandize
• agonize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize

Kids Definition

penalize

verb

pe·​nal·​ize ˈpēn-ᵊl-ˌīz  ˈpen- 

penalized; penalizing

1

: to give a penalty to

2

: to place at a disadvantage