penalty

[pen-l-tee] Example Sentences

pen·al·ty

[pen-l-tee]
noun, plural pen·al·ties.
1.
a punishment imposed or incurred for a violation of law or rule.
2.
a loss, forfeiture, suffering, or the like, to which one subjects oneself by nonfulfillment of some obligation.
3.
something that is forfeited, as a sum of money.
4.
a disadvantage imposed upon one of the competitors or upon one side for infraction of the rules of a game, sport, etc.
5.
consequence or disadvantage attached to any action, condition, etc.

Origin:
1505–15; Medieval Latin poenālitās. See penal, -ty2
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Penalty is always a great word to know.
So is quincunx. Does it mean:
the offspring of a zebra and a donkey.
an arrangement of five objects, as trees, in a square or rectangle, one at each corner and one in the middle.
Example Sentences
  • Most trips have steep penalty charges for canceling at the last minute.
  • Yes, it's the advisor and student's fault, but the last-minute penalty is harsh.
  • Other people should be able to opt out without penalty.
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Collins
World English Dictionary
penalty (ˈpɛnəltɪ)
 
n , pl -ties
1.  a legal or official punishment, such as a term of imprisonment
2.  some other form of punishment, such as a fine or forfeit for not fulfilling a contract
3.  loss, suffering, or other unfortunate result of one's own action, error, etc
4.  sport, games a handicap awarded against a player or team for illegal play, such as a free shot at goal by the opposing team, loss of points, etc
 
[C16: from Medieval Latin poenālitās penalty; see penal]

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