Dictionary
penalize
verb pe·nal·ize \ˈpē-nə-ˌlīz, ˈpe-\
: to punish (someone or something) for breaking a rule or a law
: to give (someone) an unfair disadvantage
pe·nal·izedpe·nal·iz·ing
Full Definition of PENALIZE
transitive verb
1
: to inflict a penalty on
2
: to put at a serious disadvantage
— pe·nal·i·za·tion \-nə-lə-ˈzā-shən\ noun
See penalize defined for English-language learners
See penalize defined for kids
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First Known Use of PENALIZE
1868
Related to PENALIZE
Rhymes with PENALIZE
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PENALIZE Defined for Kids
penalize
verb pe·nal·ize \ˈpē-nə-ˌlīz, ˈpe-\
pe·nal·izedpe·nal·iz·ing
Definition of PENALIZE for Kids
: to give a penalty to <You'll be penalized for cheating.>
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