Meaning & Definition of word "Penal"

Penal

/ˈpiː.nəl/

1. Relating to, or prescribing punishment, especially the punishment of crime.
- Example: The penal code outlines the different types of punishments for various offenses.
2. Of or relating to the punishment of offenders under the legal system.
- Example: The penal system aims to rehabilitate rather than just punish offenders.
3. Pertaining to the legal code that defines crimes and punishments.
- Example: He studied penal law to better understand the implications of crime in society.
4. Involving a penalty or punishment.
- Example: The team faced a penal initiative for violating the league's rules.
5. Characterized by severe punishment or retribution.
- Example: The nation's penal policies have come under scrutiny for their harshness.

●From Latin 'poenalis', from 'poena' meaning 'penalty, punishment'.

penal system:

The legal system concerning the punishment of crime.

penal colony:

A settlement used to isolate prisoners from the general population.

punishment:

The infliction of a penalty as retribution for an offense.

correctional:

Relating to the punishment, rehabilitation, and supervision of those convicted of crimes.

Meaning: Penal as in jail or prison-related slang.

● Example Sentence: He'll be doing time in the pen.

Meaning: Referring to the penal system in a derogatory sense.

● Example Sentence: That judge is part of the penal machine.