penalize

verb

pe·​nal·​ize ˈpē-nə-ˌlīz How to pronounce penalize (audio) ˈpe- How to pronounce penalize (audio)
penalized; penalizing

transitive verb

1
: to inflict a penalty on
2
: to put at a serious disadvantage
penalization noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Additionally, entities and individuals linked to Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenka's regime have been penalized for their role in backing Russia's defense industry, further tightening the international crackdown on supporters of the Kremlin. Nina Turner, Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2024 Hadley was even penalized a point during the fight for two eye pokes. Brian Mazique, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024 Share [Findings] The U.S. municipal bond market penalizes communities in proportion to the percentage of their population that is black but generally ignores their vulnerability to climate change. Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harper's Magazine, 23 Oct. 2024 The Jags were also consistently hampered by penalties, being penalized eight times compared to Chicago’s two. Ben Morse, CNN, 16 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for penalize 

Word History

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of penalize was in 1888

Dictionary Entries Near penalize

Cite this Entry

“Penalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/penalize. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

penalize

verb
pe·​nal·​ize ˈpēn-ᵊl-ˌīz How to pronounce penalize (audio) ˈpen- How to pronounce penalize (audio)
penalized; penalizing
1
: to give a penalty to
2
: to place at a disadvantage

More from Merriam-Webster on penalize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!