penalty

Universal Words noun (plural penalties) 1 ~ (for sth) a punishment for breaking a law, rule or contract: to impose a penalty * Assault carries a maximum penalty of seven years' imprisonment. * The penalty for travelling without a ticket is ｣200. * Contractors who fall behind schedule incur heavy financial penalties. * a penalty clause in a contract * You can withdraw money from the account at any time without penalty. * Harsher penalties are being imposed for crimes involving firearms. seealsoDEATHPENALTY 2 ~ (of sth) a disadvantage suffered as a result of sth: One of the penalties of fame is loss of privacy. 3 (in sports and games) an advantage given to a player or a team when the other side breaks a rule: The referee awarded a penalty to the home team. 4 (in football) a chance to kick the ball into the goal without any defending players, except the GOALKEEPER, trying to stop it; the goal that is given if the kick is successful: Two minutes later Ford equalized with a penalty. IDIOMS see PAYv.