Laxi Dictionary

American Dictionary

Define dictionary terms easily in our powerful online English dictionary.

Searching for...

No matching words found

Try a different search term or browse the dictionary

Definition penalty in American English

penalty noun

[countable] noun
/ˈpen(ə)lti/
1

a punishment for breaking a rule or law

Example

The maximum penalty for the offense is two years' imprisonment.

Example

There are severe penalties for companies who breach environmental laws.

Example

Under the law the president is able to impose tough penalties.

Example

The crime carries a much heavier penalty in the U.S.

Synonyms and related words
punishment retribution lesson
1.1

a punishment for breaking a rule in a game, sport, or activity

Example

Riders can incur time penalties for knocking over barriers.

Synonyms and related words
punishment retribution lesson
2

something bad that happens to you because of your behavior or position in society

Example

Increased risk of skin cancer is one of the penalties of sunbathing.

Example

Some farmers are paying the penalty for not watering crops sufficiently in hot weather.

Synonyms and related words
punishment retribution lesson
Definition penalty in American English