Penalize Meaning in English
word
ˈpɛnəˌɫaɪz/, /ˈpinəˌɫaɪz
PEN-uh-lize or PEE-nuh-lize
ˈpiː.nəl.aɪz
PEE-nuh-lize
Definition
To punish someone or make them suffer because they have broken a rule or done something wrong.
Usage & Nuances
Common in formal, legal, or academic contexts. Often used in sports ('penalize a team for a foul'), law, or work settings. Do not confuse with 'punish,' which is broader; 'penalize' usually refers to consequences for breaking specific rules.
Spanish: sancionar - penalizarPortuguese (BR): penalizar - punirPortuguese (PT): penalizar - punirChinese (Simplified): 惩罚 - 处罚Chinese (Traditional): 懲罰 - 處罰Hindi: दंडित करनाArabic: معاقبة - فرض عقوبةBengali: শাস্তি দেওয়া - দণ্ডিত করাRussian: наказывать - штрафоватьJapanese: 罰する - ペナルティを与えるVietnamese: phạtKorean: 처벌하다 - 벌을 주다Turkish: cezalandırmakUrdu: سزا دینا - جرمانہ کرناIndonesian: memberi hukuman - menghukum
Example Sentences
The referee penalized the player for touching the ball with his hand.
basic
Students are penalized if they submit their work late.
basic
The law penalizes companies that pollute the water.
basic
You shouldn't be penalized just for making an honest mistake.
natural
The new tax will penalize small businesses the most.
natural
Don’t penalize everyone because of one person’s mistake.
natural