Meaning of penalty in English

Table of contents

Noun
penalty
Etymology
early 16th century: probably via Anglo-Norman French, from medieval Latin poenalitas, based on poena‘pain’
Definitions
1. the act of punishing
Derived terms
2. a payment required for not fulfilling a contract
3. the disadvantage or painful consequences of an action or condition
Examples
- « neglected his health and paid the penalty »
Antonyms
- advantage
- reward
4. (games) a handicap or disadvantage that is imposed on a competitor (or a team) for an infraction of the rules of the game

Famous quotes

« Judged by the law of England, I know this crime entails upon me the penalty of death but the history of Ireland explains that crime and justifies it. »
Thomas Francis Meagher
« I submit that an individual who breaks the law that conscience tells him is unjust and willingly accepts the penalty by staying in jail to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in reality expressing the very highest respect for law. »
Martin Luther King, Jr.
« Crucial to understanding federalism in modern day America is the concept of mobility, or 'the ability to vote with your feet.' If you don't support the death penalty and citizens packing a pistol - don't come to Texas. If you don't like medicinal marijuana and gay marriage, don't move to California. »
Rick Perry
« I believe that people would be alive today if there were a death penalty. »
Nancy Reagan
« The death penalty is becoming a way of life in this country. »
Dennis Miller