penalize

verb

pe·​nal·​ize ˈpē-nə-ˌlīz  ˈpe- 

penalized; penalizing

transitive verb

1

: to inflict a penalty on

2

: to put at a serious disadvantage

penalization

ˈpē-nə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

Synonyms

• castigate
• chasten
• chastise
• correct
• discipline
• punish

Examples of penalize in a Sentence

The company was penalized for not paying taxes.

The hockey player was penalized for holding.

This law would unfairly penalize immigrants.

Recent Examples on the Web

One play after he was penalized for roughing the passer, Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby delivered a crunching hit on a first-quarter sack. —Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2024

Prisoners could not be penalized for refusing assignments. —Thomas Elias, The Mercury News, 18 Oct. 2024

And then he is essentially penalized for his transgressions with — spoiler alert — death by laser. —Fran Tirado, Them, 15 Oct. 2024

Similarly, hiring algorithms trained on historical data reflecting existing gender imbalances in specific professions might unfairly penalize female applicants. —Vasyl Rakivnenko, Forbes, 1 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

penalize

verb

pe·​nal·​ize ˈpēn-ᵊl-ˌīz  ˈpen- 

penalized; penalizing

1

: to give a penalty to

2

: to place at a disadvantage