adj
penal
PEE-nuhl
adj
1
Relating to punishment, especially punishment set out by law.
"He was sent to a penal colony for his crimes."
"The country reformed its penal code to reduce harsh sentences."
How to Use Penal
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHaving to do with punishment, especially legal punishment.
Common pairings
penal code
penal colony
penal system
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He was sent to a _____ colony for his crimes.
Etymology
From Latin poena ("punishment"), from Greek poine ("penalty, blood money").