tr.v. pe·nal·ized, pe·nal·iz·ing, pe·nal·iz·es 1. a. To subject (a person) to a penalty, especially for infringement of a law or regulation. See Synonyms at punish. b. To make (an action or a condition) liable to a penalty: Tripping is penalized in hockey. 2. To impose a handicap on; place at a disadvantage: was penalized by his poor education. pe′nal·i·zation (-lĭ-zāshən) n. |
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