penalize

1 of 2

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

penalization

2 of 2

noun

pe·​nal·​iza·​tion

variants also British penalisation

ˌpēnᵊlə̇ˈzāshən, 

ˌpen-, 

-ᵊlˌīˈ-

plural -s

1

: the act of penalizing

2

: the state of being penalized

Synonyms of penalize

Verb

• punish

Examples of penalize in a Sentence

Verb

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

Verb

Organizations need transparent goal-setting, equitable evaluation systems that don’t penalize flexibility and cultural change that values contribution over face time—a significant mindset shift. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026

Smelters reject or penalize this dangerous contaminant, forcing miners to destroy it using energy-intensive, high-emission furnaces. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 19 Oct. 2026

Despite the win, the Panthers were heavily penalized, recording the most penalty yards in a single game in franchise history. — Charlotte Observer, 18 Oct. 2026

The terms of the injunction prevent the NCAA from penalizing Council for playing, or KU for playing him. — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 15 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1888, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for penalize

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

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