Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Penalizing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

⚖️
Add to dictionary

penalizing

[ˈpiːnəlaɪzɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in a legal context

To impose a penalty on someone for breaking a rule or law, typically through fines, imprisonment, or other punitive measures.

Synonyms

discipline, fine, punish.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
penalizing

Use this word in situations where a penalty is applied typically in a formal context like rules or regulations being broken.

  • The company is penalizing employees for being late
  • The government is penalizing businesses that violate health and safety regulations
punish

This word is suitable when referring to inflicting a penalty or suffering on someone for their wrongdoing, often indicating a more general or severe action.

  • The teacher will punish the student for cheating
  • The judge decided to punish the criminal with a long prison sentence
fine

Use this word in the context of a monetary charge as a punishment for an offense or violation.

  • He received a fine for parking illegally
  • The company had to pay a large fine for environmental violations
discipline

This word is appropriate when referring to training someone to follow rules or a code of behavior, usually through correction or instruction.

  • Parents discipline their children to behave properly
  • The coach disciplines the team to improve their performance

Examples of usage

  • They are penalizing companies that fail to comply with the new regulations.
  • The school has a policy of penalizing students who cheat on exams.
Context #2 | Verb

in a sports context

To award a penalty against a player or team for a rule violation in a game or match.

Synonyms

penalise.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
penalizing

Same as the first 'penalizing', focusing on American English usage but can also imply a sense of being harsh or overreacting, sometimes carrying a negative connotation.

  • Critics argue that the policy is unfairly penalizing small businesses
  • The coach was criticized for overly penalizing the players after the loss
penalise

This is the British English spelling and is used similarly to 'penalizing', referring to imposing a penalty or punishment.

  • The government will penalise corporations that fail to comply with the new regulations
  • He was penalised for not adhering to the guidelines

Examples of usage

  • The referee penalized the player for a dangerous tackle.
  • The team was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Legal Studies

  • In many legal systems, penalizing an offense serves as a deterrent to future wrongdoings.
  • Different types of penalties exist, including fines, jail time, or community service, depending on the severity of the crime.
  • The concept of proportionality in punishment suggests that the severity of the penalty should reflect the seriousness of the offense.

Psychology

  • Studies indicate that the threat of penalization can influence behavior by instilling fear of consequences.
  • However, excessive punishment may lead to negative feelings, resentment, or rebellion toward authority figures.
  • Research shows that positive reinforcement often yields better long-term behavior changes than merely penalizing infractions.

Pop Culture

  • In sports, teams or players can be penalized for breaking rules, which can lead to heated discussions among fans and analysts.
  • Many films and books explore themes of justice and punishment, questioning the ethics of penalizing characters for their choices.
  • Popular video games often include mechanics where players face penalties for in-game crimes, adding a layer of strategy.

Education

  • In educational systems, students might be penalized for tardiness, cheating, or breaking school rules to maintain discipline.
  • The approach to penalizing in schools varies greatly, with some systems favoring restorative practices over punishment.
  • Educators are increasingly recognizing that penalizing students may not always lead to learning, prompting discussions about alternative methods.

Origin of 'penalizing'

Main points about word origin

  • Derived from the Latin word 'poena' meaning punishment, emphasizing the link between punishment and the act of penalizing.
  • The term started gaining prominence in legal contexts in the late 14th century.
  • Initially associated with physical punishment, its meaning has broadened to include various forms of consequences.

The word 'penalize' originated from the Latin word 'poena', meaning 'punishment'. It first appeared in English in the 17th century and has been used to describe the act of imposing a penalty or punishment ever since.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,070, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.