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

Adding another employee, buying a new piece of equipment, or expanding into a larger space all become harder when the tax code penalizes those investments. — Kent Strang, Boston Herald, 26 July 2026

In 2016, the Seahawks — when Canales served as a wide receivers coach — were penalized for the intensity and contact during an OTAs workout. — Mike Kaye july 26, Charlotte Observer, 26 July 2026

Current championship leader Kimi Antonelli has also been penalized with a three-place grid penalty for not slowing sufficiently for the yellow flags triggered by Verstappen’s spin at the final corner. — Yara Elshebiny, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026

For example, the European Union’s Digital Services Act and the United Kingdom’s Online Safety Act establish regulatory frameworks for penalizing platforms that fail to address risks to minors. — Andrew Yockey, The Conversation, 24 July 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