26984 words

penalties

8 definitions • 20 examples
1
a punishment, or the usual punishment, for doing something that is against a law:

Examples:

The law carries a penalty of up to three years in prison.
They asked for the maximum penalty for hoax calls to be increased to one year.
The protesters were told to clear the area around the building, on penalty of arrest (= or be arrested) if they did not.
2
a type of punishment, often involving paying money, that is given to you if you break an agreement or do not follow rules:

Examples:

Currently, ticket holders pay a penalty equal to 25 percent of the ticket price when they change their flight plans.
There was a penalty clause which said you had to pay half the cost if you cancelled your booking.
3
an advantage given in some sports to a team or player when the opposing team or player breaks a rule:

Examples:

The referee awarded (= gave) a penalty kick.
Hysen handled the ball and conceded the penalty that gave Manchester United the lead.
4
a disadvantage brought about as a result of a situation or action:

Examples:

Loss of privacy is one of the penalties of success.
She has paid a heavy penalty for speaking the truth.
5
a punishment, esp. the usual one, for breaking a law:

Examples:

Repeat offenders should face stiff/tough penalties.
6
A penalty is also a type of punishment for breaking an agreement or not following rules:

Examples:

If you pay off the loan early, they’ll charge an extra month’s interest as a prepayment penalty.
When a football team gives up 143 yards in penalties, they deserve to lose.
7
an amount of money that someone is forced to pay for failing to obey a rule, law, etc.:

Examples:

Taxpayers who do not send in their tax return by the deadline will pay a £100 penalty.
exit/early-withdrawal/fixed penalty Savers who try to cash in their bonds in the first five years will usually face fixed penalty charges.
impose/introduce a penalty Regulators prevented the broadband operator from imposing a penalty on customers defecting to other providers.
without penalty Withdrawals can be made without penalty as long as 50 days' notice is given.
face/incur a penalty
financial/hefty/stiff penalties
8
a punishment for failing to obey a rule or law:

Examples:

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