■ noun ( plural penalties )
1》 a punishment imposed for breaking a law, rule, or contract.
2》 (in sports and games) a handicap imposed on a player or team for infringement of rules, especially a ~ kick.
↘ Bridge points won by the defenders when the declarer fails to make the contract.
Phrases
under (or on ) ~ of under the threat of.
Origin
C16: prob. via Anglo-Norman Fr., from med. L. poenalitas , based on poena 'pain'.