- penalty
- pen|al|ty [ `penlti ] noun count ***1. ) a punishment for breaking a rule or law:penalty for: The maximum penalty for the offense is two years' imprisonment.severe/heavy/stiff/tough penalties: There are severe penalties for companies who breach environmental laws.Under the law the president is able to impose tough penalties.carry a penalty: The crime carries a much heavier penalty in the U.S.a ) a punishment for breaking a rule in a game, sport, or activity:Riders can incur time penalties for knocking over barriers.b ) the death penalty a punishment in which someone is legally killed because they have committed a crime2. ) something bad that happens to you because of your behavior or position in society:penalty of/for: Increased risk of skin cancer is one of the penalties of sunbathing.pay the penalty (for something) (=to suffer because of your behavior): Some farmers are paying the penalty for not watering crops sufficiently in hot weather.penalty shotin HOCKEY, soccer, and similar sports, a chance to score a goal or point without being stopped by anyone except one person on the other team, given to you because an opponent has broken a rule
Usage of the words and phrases in modern English. 2013.