Laxi Dictionary

English Dictionary

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Definition penalty in British English

penalty noun

[countable] noun
/ˈpen(ə)lti/
1

a punishment for breaking a rule or law

Example

The maximum penalty for the offence 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 US.

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 failing to keep to their lane.

Synonyms and related words
punishment retribution lesson
2

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

Example

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

Example

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

Synonyms and related words
punishment retribution lesson
3

in football, rugby, and similar sports, a chance to score a goal or point without other players trying to take the ball off you. This is given to you because an opponent has broken a rule

Example

They scored from a penalty awarded when Jenkins handled the ball.

Example

The skipper told me I had to take the penalty and I was delighted.

Example

Southgate missed a penalty that would have won them the match.

Example

Fox kicked a last-minute penalty to give the All-Blacks a sensational victory.

Synonyms and related words
backhand backhander ball
Definition penalty in British English