Penalize

Penalize is a transitive verb meaning to subject someone or something to a penalty or punishment for breaking rules or laws. The act typically involves imposing sanctions defined by a rule, law, or policy. The related noun is penalty; the noun form for the act is penalization; penal is the related adjective describing punishment or penalties. The word derives from Latin poena meaning "punishment, penalty," via French and English; its current English form dates to the 19th century.

Penalization occurs across contexts. In legal contexts, authorities penalize individuals or organizations by fines, imprisonment, or other sanctions for violations. In sports, officials penalize infractions with penalties such as point deductions, loss of possession, or suspensions. In corporate, academic, or administrative settings, penalties may be applied for noncompliance, late delivery, or safety violations, including fines, warnings, or sanctions. The preposition typically used is "penalize someone for something" or "penalize something" as in "the policy penalizes late submissions."

Usage notes: The term is formal and common in policy, law, and sports reporting. It is usually contrasted with "punish" (broader, sometimes moral judgment) and "sanction" (a formal penalty or authorization, depending on context). "Penalty" can refer to the result of the action, while "penalize" describes the act of imposing it. In driving, taxation, and international relations, penalties often take the form of fines, interest, or sanctions rather than physical punishment.