penalize

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "penalize" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the act of imposing a penalty on someone or something. Example sentence: The government penalized the company for polluting the environment.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

President Obama on Wednesday created the first-ever sanctions program to penalize overseas hackers who engage in cyber-spying and companies that knowingly benefit from the fruits of that espionage, potentially including state-owned corporations in Russia and China.

The Guardian - Tech

Not just penalize them, or contain them, but defeat them," he said.

The Guardian

Some codes also penalize bribery in designated classes of private or commercial transactions (e.g., bribery of labour-union officials by employers).

Encyclopedia Britannica

In April 2007 Ahmadinejad announced that Iran had begun to produce nuclear fuel on an industrial scale, and international sanctions meant to penalize the country for the opacity and the persistence of its nuclear program mounted.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Pivotal to the 5 4 ruling was the court's decision not to strike down the act's "individual mandate" provision, which would financially penalize Americans for not obtaining health insurance, a requirement many Republican politicians argued was unconstitutional.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He strenuously opposed in 1737 the bill to penalize the city of Edinburgh over the Porteous riots, and a violent speech against the government in April 1740 led again to his dismissal from office.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Stingley was left a quadriplegic; his injuries prompted the NFL to institute rules to protect receivers and to penalize overly aggressive tacklers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

To penalize the overeager slapper who simply hits every upturned card, some games dictate that slapping any card but a jack requires the offender to give up one of his own cards to the player whose card he erroneously slapped.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The system of prices can be arranged to reward or penalize any kind of activity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Moreover, he sought to penalize those who did not pay the (much-enhanced) levies for the refurbishment of church buildings.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is the habit of this good, easy man to reward those who violate his rules and penalize those who respect them; courteous reporters, photographers, and artists are continually scooped by their unmannerly brethren, who by harrying and badgering the scientist put him into an affable, complying humor.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "sanction" or "fine" to add variety to your writing, especially if you are using "penalize" repeatedly.

Common error

Avoid using "penalize" loosely to describe mere disapproval or criticism. The term implies a formal consequence or disadvantage, not just a negative opinion.

Linguistic Context

The verb "penalize" functions to impose a penalty for an infraction of a rule or law, as confirmed by Ludwig AI and the numerous examples provided. Its role is to denote the action of subjecting someone or something to a negative consequence due to a violation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Encyclopedias

24%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

5%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "penalize" is a versatile verb used to describe the act of imposing a penalty or sanction, particularly for violating rules or regulations. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. With a "Very common" frequency, it appears often in "News & Media" and "Encyclopedias", indicating a wide range of contexts where its precise meaning is required. Understanding the nuances of "penalize" and related terms like ""punish"" and ""sanction"" enhances clarity in communication. Remember to use it when a specific penalty is applied, not just to express general disapproval.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impose a penalty

Focuses on the action of applying a specific sanction or fine.

issue a sanction

Suggests a formal or official condemnation and associated penalty.

levy a fine

Specifically refers to imposing a financial penalty.

inflict a punishment

Emphasizes the punitive aspect of the consequence.

administer consequences

Implies a formal or official application of repercussions.

take disciplinary action

Highlights the act of correcting or controlling behavior.

hold accountable

Focuses on making someone responsible for their actions and facing the consequences.

mete out justice

Suggests a fair and proportional application of penalties.

exact retribution

Implies a more severe and potentially vengeful form of punishment.

bring to justice

Highlights the process of ensuring someone faces legal consequences.

FAQs

How is "penalize" used in a sentence?

"Penalize" means to subject someone to a penalty for violating a rule or regulation. For example: "The referee will "penalize" the player for unsportsmanlike conduct."

What are some alternatives to "penalize"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "punish", "fine", "sanction", or "discipline".

When is it appropriate to use "penalize" instead of "punish"?

"Penalize" is often used in the context of rules and regulations, such as in sports or legal settings, while "punish" is a more general term for inflicting a penalty for wrongdoing. "The referee will "penalize" the team for the foul" versus "The court will "punish" the criminal for their actions".

Can "penalize" be used in contexts other than rule violations?

Yes, "penalize" can also mean to impose a handicap or disadvantage. For example, "The new tax law will "disadvantage" small businesses".