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

• castigate
• chasten
• chastise
• correct
• discipline
• 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

This is not the first time that Trump’s administration has moved to penalize a local judge. —Jenny Jarvie, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2025

Scores are often used to make school funding decisions, penalizing schools where students aren’t acing the test. —Mark C. Perna, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025

The big picture: The Trump administration has moved beyond penalizing international students over pro-Palestinian activism and stripped scores of students' visas without explanation, university officials and attorneys say. —Steph Solis, Axios, 8 Apr. 2025

Smith was penalized with 50 points and a fine of $25,000 for crashing into Gray. —John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Apr. 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