Penalty Definition

pĕnəl-tē
penalties
noun
penalties
A punishment fixed by law, as for a crime or breach of contract.
Webster's New World
A sum established by a contract to be forfeited in lieu of actual damages in the event of a breach of the contract.
American Heritage
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.
Webster's New World
Any unfortunate consequence or result of an act or condition.
Webster's New World
Any disadvantage, as a loss of yardage or the removal of a player, imposed because of infraction of a rule.
Webster's New World
Antonyms:

Other Word Forms of Penalty

Noun

Singular:
penalty
Plural:
penalties

Origin of Penalty

  • Middle English penalte from Old French penalite from Medieval Latin poenālitās from Latin poenālis penal penal

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

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