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penalty

pen·al·ty

penalty

 
 
pronunciation:
pe nl ti
features:
Word Combinations (noun), Word Explorer
part of speech: noun
inflections: penalties
definition 1: a punishment inflicted or incurred for breaking a law or rule or for violating an agreement.
The penalty for armed robbery is several years in prison.Detention is the penalty for leaving school grounds without permission.Failure to make the required payments in a timely manner will result in penalties.
synonyms:
forfeit, punishment
similar words:
comeuppance, damages, discipline, fine, mulct, sanction
definition 2: something, usu. money, required as a forfeit.
synonyms:
damages, fine, forfeiture, reparation
similar words:
assessment, forfeit, mulct, penance, retribution
definition 3: an unpleasant or disagreeable consequence of some action, conduct, or condition.
Getting sick was her penalty for working herself too hard.
synonyms:
catch, price
antonyms:
advantage
similar words:
drawback, flaw, handicap
definition 4: in sports, a punishment or handicap imposed on a player or team that violates a rule.
The team received a five-yard penalty on that play.
 
synonyms:
penalization
similar words:
handicap
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