penalty

pen-al-ty · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

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

  2. 2.

    A disadvantage or unpleasant consequence of an action.

  3. 3.

    (sports) A punishment awarded against a team or player for a rule violation.

Forms

plural: penalties

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    penalty kick — a free kick in soccer awarded for a foul in the penalty area
  • •
    death penalty — capital punishment; execution as punishment for a crime
  • •
    pay the penalty — to suffer the consequences of one's actions
  • •
    under penalty of — with the threat of a specified punishment

Related words

Antonyms: bonus, reward
See also: fine, forfeit, punishment, sanction
Synonyms: fine, punishment, sanction

Etymology

From Medieval Latin poenalitas, from Latin poenalis ("relating to punishment"), from poena ("punishment, penalty"), from Greek poine ("blood money, penalty").