Penalty definition
A punishment fixed by law, as for a crime or breach of contract.
noun
A sum established by a contract to be forfeited in lieu of actual damages in the event of a breach of the contract.
noun
The disadvantage or painful consequences resulting from an action or condition.
Neglected his health and paid the penalty.
noun
A punishment imposed for a violation of law.
noun
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.
noun
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Any unfortunate consequence or result of an act or condition.
noun
(sports) Any disadvantage, as a loss of yardage or the removal of a player, imposed because of infraction of a rule.
noun
The definition of a penalty is a punishment, fine or a negative result of an act.
An example of a penalty is having to attend traffic school for a getting a speeding ticket.
noun
(games) Points scored in contract bridge by the opponents when the declarer fails to make a bid.
noun
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A punishment, handicap, or loss of advantage imposed on a team or competitor for infraction of a rule.
noun
An infraction of a rule; a foul.
noun
(soccer) A direct free kick from the penalty spot, taken after a defensive foul in the penalty box; a penalty kick.
noun
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(ice hockey) A punishment for an infraction of the rules, often in the form of being removed from play for a specified amount of time.
A penalty was called when he tripped up his opponent.
noun
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