
Penalize
Breaking Rules
Use 'penalize' when someone suffers consequences for breaking rules or laws.
Players who use performance-enhancing drugs are penalized by the league.
Legal Context
'Penalize' is often used in legal and formal scenarios, such as sports, business, or government.
The athlete was penalized for a false start.
Severity Variation
The severity of penalties can vary widely, from a small fine to more serious repercussions.
He was penalized with a simple warning.
Compare with
CensureChastiseDisciplineFinePunishRebukeReprimandReprove
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