verb (used with object), pe·nal·ized, pe·nal·iz·ing.
- to subject to a penalty, as a person.
- to declare (an action, deed, etc.) punishable by law or rule.
- to put under a disadvantage or handicap.
verb (tr)
- to impose a penalty on (someone), as for breaking a law or rule
- to inflict a handicap or disadvantage on
- sport to award a free stroke, point, or penalty against (a player or team)
- to declare (an act) legally punishable; make subject to a penalty
v.1868, from penal + -ize. Related: Penalized; penalizing.