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   pen·al·ty

   /ˈpenltē/

   noun

   • 1. a punishment imposed for breaking a law, rule, or contract: "the charge carries a maximum penalty of ten years' imprisonment" Similar punishmentsanctionpunitive actionretributionpenancefineforfeitsentencerare:mulctOpposite reward
   • ▪ a disadvantage or unpleasant experience suffered as the result of an action or circumstance: "the cold never leaves my bones these days—one of the penalties of age" Similar disadvantagedifficultydrawbackhandicapsnagdownsideminusdetrimentunpleasant aspecttrialtormentbanetribulationafflictionsufferingburdentroubleworrydeprivationcostundesirable consequencedisbenefitOpposite advantage
   • 2. (in sports and games) a disadvantage or handicap imposed on a player or team, typically for infringement of rules.
   • ▪ a kick or shot awarded to a team because of a serious infringement of the rules by an opponent: "a penalty corner"
   • ▪ points won by the defenders when a declarer fails to make the contract.

   Word Origin early 16th century: probably via Anglo-Norman French, from medieval Latin poenalitas, based on poena ‘pain’.

   Scrabble Points: 12

   • P

     3

   • E

     1

   • N

     1

   • A

     1

   • L

     1

   • T

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   • Y

     4

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