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 of penalize

• 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

Booker was penalized for roughing the passer on the hit that sent Love into concussion protocol. —Steve Megargee, Twin Cities, 8 Jan. 2026

Schroer, in an interview on Monday, rejected the notion that his bills sought to penalize the Chiefs. —Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 8 Jan. 2026

Four Sharks and three Lightning players were penalized for a fight that involved every player on the ice except the goaltenders. —Evan Webeck, Mercury News, 3 Jan. 2026

Drugmakers have scaled them back due to criticism from lawmakers and new government policies, such as penalizing companies that charge Medicare program prices that rise faster than inflation. —Reuters 12 Hr Ago, CNN Money, 1 Jan. 2026

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