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.
This is not the first time that Trump’s administration has moved to penalize a local judge. Jenny Jarvie, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2025 Scores are often used to make school funding decisions, penalizing schools where students aren’t acing the test. Mark C. Perna, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025 The big picture: The Trump administration has moved beyond penalizing international students over pro-Palestinian activism and stripped scores of students' visas without explanation, university officials and attorneys say. Steph Solis, Axios, 8 Apr. 2025 Smith was penalized with 50 points and a fine of $25,000 for crashing into Gray. John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Apr. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Penalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/penalize. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

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
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