penalty

[ pen-l-tee ]

noun

, plural pen·al·ties.

1. a punishment imposed or incurred for a violation of law or rule.
2. a loss, forfeiture, suffering, or the like, to which one subjects oneself by nonfulfillment of some obligation.
3. something that is forfeited, as a sum of money.
4. a disadvantage imposed upon one of the competitors or upon one side for infraction of the rules of a game, sport, etc.
5. consequence or disadvantage attached to any action, condition, etc.

penalty

/ ˈpɛnəltɪ /

noun

1. a legal or official punishment, such as a term of imprisonment
2. some other form of punishment, such as a fine or forfeit for not fulfilling a contract
3. loss, suffering, or other unfortunate result of one's own action, error, etc
4. sport games a handicap awarded against a player or team for illegal play, such as a free shot at goal by the opposing team, loss of points, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of penalty¹

1505–15; ≪ Medieval Latin poenālitās. See penal, -ty ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of penalty¹

C16: from Medieval Latin poenālitās penalty; see penal

Example Sentences

He saved Joel Pohjanpalo's penalty and kept out Robin Lod's follow-up in the Nations League win at Aviva Stadium.

From BBC

Kelleher has the club record for penalty shootout saves as well - stopping six kicks in four Carabao Cup shootouts.

From BBC

Kelleher did not save a penalty in the 2022 final victory over Chelsea, but scored Liverpool's 11th kick before opposite number Kepa missed his.

From BBC

South Africa beat England 16-15 after a late Handre Pollard penalty in their last meeting in the 2023 World Cup semi-final.

From BBC

He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison on each count.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cost
• discipline
• fine
• forfeiture
• punishment