ˈpenltɪ n. (pl. -ies) 1 a a
punishment,
esp. a fine,
for a
breach of
law,
contract, etc. b a fine
paid. 2 a
disadvantage,
loss,
etc., esp. as a
result of one's
own actions (paid
the penalty for
his carelessness). 3 a a disadvantage imposed on a
competitor or
side in a game etc. for a breach of the rules etc. b (attrib.) awarded
against a side incurring a penalty (penalty kick; penalty goal). 4 Bridge etc. points gained by opponents
when a contract is
not fulfilled. øpenalty
area Football the ground in
front of the
goal in
which a
foul by defenders involves the
award of a penalty kick. penalty box
Ice Hockey an area
reserved for penalized players
and some officials. the penalty of a disadvantage resulting
from (a
quality etc.). penalty rate
Austral. an increased rate of pay for
overtime.
under (or on) penalty of under the
threat of (dismissal etc.). [AF penalte (unrecorded), F p÷nalit÷ f. med.L penalitas (as PENAL)]