penalty

/ˈpɛnəlti/
punishment for breaking a rule

The referee awarded a penalty for the foul.

A penalty was given because a player broke the rules.


Law
formal

A punishment imposed for breaking a rule or law

The court imposed a financial penalty for the violation.

A monetary punishment was given for breaking the law.

In legal contexts, penalties can be fines, imprisonment, or other sanctions.

Sports

In sports, a penalty is a disadvantage given to a team for breaking rules

The soccer team was given a penalty kick after the foul.

A penalty kick was awarded because of a rule violation.

Penalties in sports vary by game (e.g., penalty shots in hockey, free throws in basketball).

Collocations

penalty kicka direct free kick awarded in soccerpenalty shootouta method to decide a tied soccer matchpenalty clausea contract term specifying penalties for breaches

Related Phrases

pay the penaltyphrase
to suffer the consequences
penalty areaphrase
a marked area in soccer where penalties are taken

Pro Tip

Sports vs. Legal Use

In sports, a penalty is a disadvantage; in law, it's a punishment.

Gold Rule

Context Matters

Always check if 'penalty' is used in sports, law, or general contexts.

Word Origin

From Latin 'poenalis' (of punishment), from 'poena' (punishment).

Usage Notes

In sports, 'penalty' often refers to a specific play or advantage given to the opposing team. In law, it refers to legal consequences.

Word Breakdown

penal
relating to punishment
root
+
-ty
state or condition
suffix
English Dictionary