Penalty Definition
pĕnəl-tē
penalties
noun
penalties
A punishment fixed by law, as for a crime or breach of contract.
Webster's New World
A sum established by a contract to be forfeited in lieu of actual damages in the event of a breach of the contract.
American Heritage
The disadvantage, suffering, handicap, etc. imposed upon an offender or one who does not fulfill a contract or obligation, as a fine or forfeit; specif., a forfeit paid for withdrawal before maturity of invested funds.
Webster's New World
Any unfortunate consequence or result of an act or condition.
Webster's New World
Any disadvantage, as a loss of yardage or the removal of a player, imposed because of infraction of a rule.
Webster's New World
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Origin of Penalty
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Middle English penalte from Old French penalite from Medieval Latin poenālitās from Latin poenālis penal penal
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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