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Penalizing: meaning, definitions and examples

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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?

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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?

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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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "penalizing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 penalizando

🇮🇳 दंडित करना

🇩🇪 bestrafend

🇮🇩 menghukum

🇺🇦 карати

🇵🇱 karanie

🇯🇵 罰する

🇫🇷 pénaliser

🇪🇸 penalizando

🇹🇷 cezalandırmak

🇰🇷 처벌하는

🇸🇦 معاقبة

🇨🇿 trestání

🇸🇰 trestanie

🇨🇳 惩罚

🇸🇮 kaznovanje

🇮🇸 refsing

🇰🇿 жазалау

🇬🇪 დასჯა

🇦🇿 cəzalandırmaq

🇲🇽 penalizando

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.