penalty kick

[ pen-l-tee kik ]

noun

, Soccer.

1. a free kick awarded for an infraction committed by a defensive player in the penalty area and taken by the offensive player who has been fouled from a point 12 yards (11 meters) directly in front of the goal. PK

penalty kick

noun

1. soccer a free kick at the goal from a point ( penalty spot ) within the penalty area and 12 yards (about 11 m) from the goal, with only the goalkeeper allowed to defend it: awarded to the attacking team after a foul within the penalty area by a member of the defending team
2. rugby Union a kick awarded after a serious foul that can be aimed straight at the goal to score three points

Word History and Origins

Origin of penalty kick¹

First recorded in 1885–90