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1. Dictionary

   Pen·al·ty

   /ˈpenltē/

   

   noun

   • 1. a punishment imposed for breaking a law, rule, or contract: "the charge carries a maximum penalty of ten years' imprisonment" Similar punishmentsanctionpunitive actionretributionpenancefineforfeitsentencerare:mulctOpposite reward
   • ▪ a disadvantage or unpleasant experience suffered as the result of an action or circumstance: "the cold never leaves my bones these days—one of the penalties of age" Similar disadvantagedifficultydrawbackhandicapsnagdownsideminusdetrimentunpleasant aspecttrialtormentbanetribulationafflictionsufferingburdentroubleworrydeprivationcostundesirable consequencedisbenefitOpposite advantage
   • 2. (in sports and games) a disadvantage or handicap imposed on a player or team, typically for infringement of rules.
   • ▪ a kick or shot awarded to a team because of a serious infringement of the rules by an opponent: "a penalty corner"
   • ▪ points won by the defenders when a declarer fails to make the contract.

   Word Origin early 16th century: probably via Anglo-Norman French, from medieval Latin poenalitas, based on poena ‘pain’.

   Scrabble Points: 12

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2. www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › penaltyPenalty Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

   www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › penalty

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   The meaning of PENALTY is the suffering in person, rights, or property that is annexed by law or judicial decision to the commission of a crime or public offense. How to use penalty in a sentence.

3. dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › englishPENALTY | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary

   dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › english

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   PENALTY definition: 1. a punishment, or the usual punishment, for doing something that is against a law: 2. a type of…. Learn more.

4. www.dictionary.com › browse › penaltyPENALTY Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com

   www.dictionary.com › browse › penalty

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   noun. a legal or official punishment, such as a term of imprisonment. some other form of punishment, such as a fine or forfeit for not fulfilling a contract. loss, suffering, or other unfortunate result of one's own action, error, etc.

5. www.vocabulary.com › dictionary › penaltyPenalty - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms | Vocabulary.com

   www.vocabulary.com › dictionary › penalty

   A penalty is a punishment or consequence for doing something wrong, such as having to pay a fee for not bringing your library book back when it was due.

6. dictionary.cambridge.org › us › dictionaryPENALTY | definition in the Cambridge Learner’s Dictionary

   dictionary.cambridge.org › us › dictionary

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   PENALTY meaning: 1. a punishment for doing something which is against a law or rule: 2. in sports, an advantage…. Learn more.

7. www.collinsdictionary.com › dictionary › englishPENALTY definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary

   www.collinsdictionary.com › dictionary › english

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   A penalty is a punishment that someone is given for doing something which is against a law or rule. One of those arrested could face the death penalty. The maximum penalty is up to 7 years' imprisonment or an unlimited fine.

8. www.thefreedictionary.com › penaltyPenalty - definition of penalty by The Free Dictionary

   www.thefreedictionary.com › penalty

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   pen•al•ty. n., pl. -ties. 1. a punishment imposed or incurred for a violation of law or rule. 2. a loss, forfeiture, etc., incurred by nonfulfillment of some obligation. 3. something forfeited, as money. 4. a disadvantage imposed upon one side for infraction of the rules of a game or sport.

9. www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › definition › americanpenalty noun - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage...

   www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › definition › american

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   penalty. noun. /ˈpɛnlti/. (pl. penalties) a punishment for breaking a law, rule, or contract to impose a penalty Assault carries a maximum penalty of seven years' imprisonment. penalty (for something) The penalty for traveling without a ticket is $200.

10. www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › definition › englishpenalty noun - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage...

    www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › definition › english

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    penalty. noun. /ˈpenəlti/. /ˈpenəlti/. (plural penalties) Idioms. a punishment for breaking a law, rule or contract. to impose a penalty. Assault carries a maximum penalty of seven years' imprisonment.

11. www.yourdictionary.com › penaltyPenalty Definition & Meaning | YourDictionary

    www.yourdictionary.com › penalty

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    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.