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.
The Big 12 Conference is now enforcing a new rule enacted in the offseason that penalizes teams for objects being thrown on the field, and Texas Tech has been forced to institute the ban. Jordy Fee-Platt, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025 Texas Tech’s football team was penalized twice for unsportsmanlike conduct because fans hurled tortillas during a 42-17 win over Kansas earlier this month. Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2025 In addition to inflation, rising energy and shipping costs, artisan firms are also penalized by changing entertaining and dining habits. Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025 The Texans were penalized 15 yards for unnecessary roughness, and a few plays later, Seattle went up 14-0 on a 32-yard touchdown strike from Darnold to Cooper Kupp. Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Penalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/penalize. Accessed 26 Oct. 2025.

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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