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 governor signed a law the following year authorizing the energy commission to penalize oil companies for excessive profits. —Preston Fore, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2025

App State had two players ejected after they were penalized for targeting, and both of the hits involved Harrell. —Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 30 Aug. 2025

The workplace can be, and often is, the ideal environment for a gaslighter to operate freely without being called-out or penalized for their actions for years on end. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025

The goal is to reward clubs, not penalize them, for their role in developing players who go on to represent their countries. —Jason Phillips, USA Today, 27 Aug. 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