n. pl. pen·al·ties 1. A punishment imposed for a violation of law. 2. A sum established by a contract to be forfeited in lieu of actual damages in the event of a breach of the contract. 3. The disadvantage or painful consequences resulting from an action or condition: neglected his health and paid the penalty. 4. Sports a. A punishment, handicap, or loss of advantage imposed on a team or competitor for infraction of a rule. b. An infraction of a rule; a foul. c. A penalty kick. d. A penalty shot. 5. Games Points scored in contract bridge by the opponents when the declarer fails to make a bid. [Middle English penalte, from Old French penalite, from Medieval Latin poenālitās, from Latin poenālis, penal; see PENAL.] |
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