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

Fans and media widely criticize Dean's inconsistent rule application, especially his failure to penalize fouls after multiple warnings. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026

Come race day in 2023, Aston Martin filed a post-race protest that numerous cars weren’t penalized for their violations. — Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 26 June 2026

Politicians are notoriously bad at long-term budgeting, and the current system does not penalize them for taking advantage of reserves set aside by more prudent administrations. — Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 June 2026

The sheriff’s office said the incidents in question proved that internal checks strengthened by court orders were working properly, and that the monitor was penalizing the department for following those orders and policies. — Rafael Carranza, ProPublica, 25 June 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