the death penalty

noun

Definition of the death penalty

: death as a punishment given by a court of law for very serious crimes : capital punishment

death play

: a permanent cessation of all vital (see vital 2a) functions : the end of life — compare brain death
: an instance of dying
: the cause or occasion of loss of life

penalty play

: the suffering in person, rights, or property that is annexed by law or judicial decision to the commission of a crime or public offense
: the suffering or the sum to be forfeited to which a person agrees to be subjected in case of nonfulfillment of stipulations
: disadvantage, loss, or hardship due to some action