penalties Hear it!

Variant of penalty

penalty Definition

pen·alty (pen′əl tē)

noun pl. penalties -·ties

  1. a punishment fixed by law, as for a crime or breach of contract
  2. the disadvantage, suffering, handicap, etc. imposed upon an offender or one who does not fulfill a contract or obligation, as a fine or forfeit; specif., a forfeit paid for withdrawal before maturity of invested funds
  3. any unfortunate consequence or result of an act or condition
  4. Sports any disadvantage, as a loss of yardage or the removal of a player, imposed because of infraction of a rule

Etymology: LME penalyte < ML poenalitas < L poenalis: see penal

penalties Law Definition

n

  1. Punishment in the form of fines or prison terms imposed on wrongdoers. Although normally applied in criminal cases, there are some cases of civil misdeeds for which a penalty (as distinct from a remedy) may be imposed.
  2. Damages imposed by a contract for failing to meet a certain obligation, such as completion by the agreed-upon date.
penalties Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • incur: Ensure you do not incur penalties for delayed payments Once a Direct Debit mandate is signed payments are made automatically on your behalf.

Adjective modifier

  • stiff: Dealers who sell drugs near schools or use children as couriers could face stiffer penalties.
  • severe: The importance of the regime The law imposes very severe penalties on anyone involved in money laundering.
  • harsh: People who have a problem with alcohol, alcoholics, cannot be swayed by stricter laws, harsher penalties or spates in jail.

Noun used with modifier

  • redemption: The latter has no redemption penalties at any time.

Preposition: for

  • non-compliance: Penalties for non-compliance will treat complete and marginal failure the same.
penalties Quotes

öShe marked thee there, 662 Stretched on the rack of a too easy chair, And heard thy everlasting yawn confess The pains and penalties of idleness.

—Pope, Alexander