penalize

verb

pe·​nal·​ize ˈpē-nə-ˌlīz How to pronounce penalize (audio) ˈpe- How to pronounce penalize (audio)
penalized; penalizing

transitive verb

1
: to inflict a penalty on
2
: to put at a serious disadvantage
penalization noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Along the way to the Titans owning the first half, Cherry Creek was heavily penalized (seven times for 68 yards). Kyle Newman, The Denver Post, 7 Dec. 2024 If other teams have saved money in their pool, in anticipation of Sasaki potentially coming over ... then those teams should not be penalized. Mark R. Weaver, Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2024 Richardson was also penalized for intentional grounding in the fourth quarter. Colton Pouncy, The Athletic, 24 Nov. 2024 The new league aims to provide domestic playing opportunities and bypass the WNBA's prioritization rule, which penalizes players who arrive late from overseas commitments. Lindsey Darvin, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for penalize 

Word History

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of penalize was in 1888

Dictionary Entries Near penalize

Cite this Entry

“Penalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/penalize. Accessed 13 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

penalize

verb
pe·​nal·​ize ˈpēn-ᵊl-ˌīz How to pronounce penalize (audio) ˈpen- How to pronounce penalize (audio)
penalized; penalizing
1
: to give a penalty to
2
: to place at a disadvantage

More from Merriam-Webster on penalize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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