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Penalty: meaning, definitions and examples

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penalty

 

[ˈpɛnəlti ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

legal

A punishment imposed for breaking a law, rule, or contract, typically involving a fine or other loss of money.

Synonyms

fine, punishment, sanction.

Examples of usage

  • The penalty for speeding is a fine of $100.
  • He faced a penalty for violating the terms of the agreement.
Context #2 | Noun

sports

A punishment in sports such as football or soccer, typically resulting from a rule violation.

Synonyms

foul, infraction, violation.

Examples of usage

  • The referee awarded a penalty kick to the opposing team.
  • He was given a penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Context #3 | Noun

general

A disadvantage or loss imposed as a result of an action or decision.

Synonyms

disadvantage, drawback, loss.

Examples of usage

  • The company suffered a penalty in their stock price due to the scandal.
  • There is a penalty for missing the deadline.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "penalty" in other languages:

🇵🇹 penalidade

🇮🇳 दंड

🇩🇪 Strafe

🇮🇩 hukuman

🇺🇦 штраф

🇵🇱 kara

🇯🇵 罰

🇫🇷 pénalité

🇪🇸 penalización

🇹🇷 ceza

🇰🇷 처벌

🇸🇦 عقوبة

🇨🇿 trest

🇸🇰 trest

🇨🇳 处罚

🇸🇮 kaznovanje

🇮🇸 refsingu

🇰🇿 жаза

🇬🇪 სასჯელი

🇦🇿 cəza

🇲🇽 penalización

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,914, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.