mulct
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /mʌlkt/
KK: /mʌlkt/
noun
Definition
A punishment that involves taking money from someone, usually as a fine.
Example
The court decided to impose a mulct on the company for violating regulations.
Conversation
Did you hear about the new traffic law that could lead to a mulct for speeding?
Yeah, I read about it. People are really worried about the fines.
I think it's a good idea to discourage reckless driving, though.
Definitely! A mulct might make some drivers think twice before speeding.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
fine
penalty
forfeit
Antonyms
reward
bonus
gift
transitive verb
Definition
To take money or property from someone in a dishonest way, often by trickery or deception.
Example
The con artist tried to mulct the unsuspecting tourists out of their money.
Tense Forms
Past: mulcted
Past Participle: mulcted
Conversation
Did you hear about that guy who tried to mulct the old lady in our neighborhood?
Yeah, I saw it in the news; it's so terrible what people do.
I can't believe he thought he could get away with trying to mulct her like that.
Root Explanation
Mulct comes from the Latin 'multa' (meaning a fine or penalty) and the verb 'mulctare' (meaning to punish or to impose a fine). The word 'mulct' refers to the act of imposing a fine or penalty on someone.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'fine' ('multa') being imposed as a punishment — that's what mulct means.
Visually Confused Words
mult