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

Wasserman says traditional interviews tend to penalize candidates who are shy or are not native English speakers and to reward those who oversell themselves. — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2026

Players will be penalized for attempting to push off or otherwise use their off arm to create space. — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026

Some people can’t afford to miss a shift; others worry they’ll be penalized for calling out. — Angela Haupt, Time, 7 Oct. 2026

Under California law, businesses with liquor licenses can be penalized for allowing underage people inside. — Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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