Dictionary Home »
Dictionary Definitions » penalty
penalty
noun pl. penalties
- a punishment fixed by law, as for a crime or breach of contract
- 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
- any unfortunate consequence or result of an act or condition
- Sports any disadvantage, as a loss of yardage or the removal of a player, imposed because of infraction of a rule
See penalty in American Heritage Dictionary 4
Learn more about penalty
Related Articles