Meaning & Definition of word "Penalty"

Penalty

/ˈpɛnəlti/

1. A punishment imposed for breaking a law, rule, or contract.
- Example: The penalty for speeding is usually a fine.
2. A disadvantage or hardship that results from an action or inaction.
- Example: There is a penalty for late submission of assignments.
3. A consequence in a game or sport for an infraction of rules.
- Example: The team was awarded a penalty shot after the foul.
4. A financial charge incurred as a result of noncompliance with regulations.
- Example: He faced a penalty for withdrawing funds early from his retirement account.

From Middle English 'penalite', from Old French 'penalite', from Latin 'poenalis'.

death penalty:

A government-sanctioned execution as a punishment for certain crimes.

penalty box:

A designated area where players serve time for certain fouls or penalized actions in games like hockey.

penalty shootout:

A method of determining a winner in soccer after a draw, involving a series of penalty kicks.

punish:

To impose a penalty for an offense.

reward:

Something given in recognition of service, effort, or achievement, often seen as the opposite of penalty.

fine:

A monetary penalty for an offense.

Meaning: A hard time or trouble due to a mistake.

Example Sentence: He had to face the penalty for skipping class.

Meaning: Taking a hit for something wrong.

Example Sentence: After the scandal, the politician willingly accepted the penalty.