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

Despite the creation of the new task force, the authority to investigate and penalize mismanaged boards remains with the state, and if issues rise to criminal activity, Hialeah Police may become involved. —Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 12 Mar. 2026

In the movies and in fairy tales, nobody was penalized for falling in love at first sight. —Addie Citchens, New Yorker, 8 Mar. 2026

The Skippers handed Moorhead a prime opportunity to complete the comeback with its second penalty of the period, as Cameron Merrick was penalized for hooking. —Andrew Cornelius, Twin Cities, 8 Mar. 2026

In 2023, Mayor Eric Adams tried to penalize building owners for longstanding scaffolding; in 2014, Mayor Bill de Blasio put money into building repairs; and in 2010, Mayor Michael Bloomberg tried to make sidewalk sheds prettier. —Ali Bauman, CBS News, 6 Mar. 2026

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