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Definitions

penalize

[peen-l-ahyz, pen-] / ˈpin lˌaɪz, ˈpɛn- /


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Yet when adults drop out of the workforce to have babies, or future workers, we penalize them by refusing to credit those years toward their own Social Security payments.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 30, 2026

He spearheaded the concept of “secondary sanctions” to penalize even non-U.S. firms for doing business with the regime, angering Europe.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 28, 2026

“The goal was never to penalize an individual who’s unhoused,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 22, 2026

China said it would penalize 20 U.S. defense companies and 10 executives, The Wall Street Journal reported.

From Barron's • Dec. 26, 2025

On January 15, 1872, they staged a nighttime march to voice their anger over laws they felt were designed to penalize a single class, namely the poor.

From "The Great Fire" by Jim Murphy




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