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

Under California law, prisoners seeking parole may not be penalized for failing to admit wrongdoing, so Kovacich’s claim of innocence was not used against him, Tellman said. —Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 27 Mar. 2026

However, critics, many of them creators in countries with small X userbases who rely on international audiences, warned that the policy would penalize them for posting in English or covering topics with global appeal. —Alexei Oreskovic, Fortune, 26 Mar. 2026

If you’re penalized because of a TaxAct made, the company will reimburse any fines or interest and cover legal and audit fees up to $100,000. —Brian Sloan,dan Avery, CNBC, 24 Mar. 2026

Zillow allegedly monitors agent communications and penalizes those who recommend outside lenders. —New York Daily News, 21 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