penal

3 definitions • 5 examples

of or relating to punishment given by law:

Many people believe that execution has no place in the penal system of a civilized society.

He had been in and out of penal institutions (= prison) from the age of 16.

having a harmful effect; causing disadvantage:

They complained about the penal and counter-productive tax rates.

Employees regarded the childcare charges as penal.

of or connected with punishment given by law:

the penal system