noun
penalty
PEHN-uhl-tee
noun
1
A punishment or negative consequence imposed for breaking a rule, law, or agreement.
"There's a penalty for withdrawing the money early."
"The court imposed a heavy penalty for the fraud."
2
In sport, a free shot or kick awarded after a foul, or a punishment for breaking the rules of play.
"The striker scored from the penalty spot in the final minute."
How to Use Penalty
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA punishment or cost imposed for breaking a rule — in sport, specifically a free kick or shot awarded after a foul.
Common pairings
penalty kick
early withdrawal penalty
pay a penalty
Word Forms
penalties plural
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There's a _____ for withdrawing the money early.
Etymology
From Latin poena ("punishment"), via French pénalité.