Penalty Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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penalty
penal-ty
Definitions
legal
A punishment imposed for breaking a law, rule, or contract, typically involving a fine or other loss of money.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The penalty for speeding is a fine of $100.
- He faced a penalty for violating the terms of the agreement.
sports
A punishment in sports such as football or soccer, typically resulting from a rule violation.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The referee awarded a penalty kick to the opposing team.
- He was given a penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct.
general
A disadvantage or loss imposed as a result of an action or decision.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The company suffered a penalty in their stock price due to the scandal.
- There is a penalty for missing the deadline.
Translations
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Quick facts about “penalty”
Penalty is a 2-syllable noun (penal-ty). It is pronounced /ˈpɛnəɫti/ in American English and /pˈɛnəlti/ in British English. On finesentence.com it has 3 meanings, 9 synonyms, and translations into 21 languages. It ranks #2,914 among the most common English words.
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“penalty” in sports
- In soccer (football), a penalty kick is a crucial aspect of the game, awarded for fouls inside the penalty area.
- In American football, penalties can drastically change the flow of the game, with yardage lost or gained based on the infraction.
- Various sports apply penalties differently, showing how consequences vary in competitive environments.
“penalty” in psychology
- Understanding penalties can explain behavior modification; people may change their actions to avoid penalties.
- Research shows that the certainty of a penalty often has a stronger effect on behavior than the severity.
- The fear of penalties can lead to anxiety, influencing decision-making in various contexts.
“penalty” in legal system
- In law, penalties serve as a deterrent to prevent crimes, aiming to protect society by discouraging wrongful behavior.
- Criminal penalties can include fines, imprisonment, or community service, depending on the severity of the crime.
- The idea of fair penalties has led to debates about justice and equality in sentencing, impacting legal reforms.
“penalty” in cultural perspectives
- Different cultures have unique approaches to penalties, often reflecting societal values on justice and order.
- In some cultures, community-based penalties emphasize restoring relationships rather than punitive measures.
- Literature and media often depict penalties as symbolic of moral lessons, reinforcing cultural norms on right and wrong.
Origin of 'penalty'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'penalty' originated from the Latin word 'poena', meaning 'punishment' or 'penalty'.
- In medieval England, 'penalty' was used in legal contexts to define punishments for various crimes.
- The term has evolved over centuries, finding common use in sports, law, and social rules.
The word 'penalty' originated in the late Middle English period from the Anglo-Norman French word 'penalte', which in turn came from the Latin word 'poena' meaning 'punishment'. The concept of penalties has been present in various forms throughout history as a means of enforcing rules, laws, and agreements.