penalize
penalize Lexical Profile
penalize Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To subject someone to a penalty, punishment, or fine for breaking a law, rule, or official regulation.
"The agency decided to penalize the corporation for failing to meet environmental safety standards."
To impose a competitive disadvantage, loss of points, or foul on a player or team for violating a rule in a sport or game.
"The referee had to penalize the home team ten yards for holding during the crucial play."
To put someone at an unfair disadvantage or cause them to suffer a loss through circumstances or policies.
"The new tax structure seems to unfairly penalize small business owners who reinvest their profits."
• Rhymes for penalize
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in the late 19th century from 'penal' and the verbal suffix '-ize', ultimately tracing back to the Latin 'poenalis' (relating to punishment) and 'poena' (penalty, punishment).