Definition

To make someone suffer a disadvantage or punishment for breaking a rule or law.

Example

The school decided to penalize students who were caught cheating on the exam.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I heard they might penalize players for being late to practice.

Really? That seems a bit harsh, don’t you think?

Yeah, but they want everyone to take it seriously.

I get that, but a small delay shouldn’t lead to penalties.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Penalize → It is formed from "penalis" (from Latin, meaning pertaining to punishment) and the suffix "-ize" (meaning to make or to render). The word "penalize" means to make something subject to punishment or to impose a penalty.

Memory Tip

Think of 'penalis' which relates to punishment — this helps you remember that to penalize means to impose a punishment.

Visually Confused Words