Penalty

/ˈpɛnəlti/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A punishment imposed for breaking a law, rule, or contract.

The penalty for speeding is usually a fine.

A disadvantage or hardship that results from an action or inaction.

There is a penalty for late submission of assignments.

A consequence in a game or sport for an infraction of rules.

The team was awarded a penalty shot after the foul.

A financial charge incurred as a result of noncompliance with regulations.

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.

A hard time or trouble due to a mistake.

He had to face the penalty for skipping class.

Taking a hit for something wrong.

After the scandal, the politician willingly accepted the penalty.