( BrE also pen·al·ise ) / ˈpiːnəlaɪz; NAmE / verb [ vn ]
1.
penalize sb (for sth) to punish sb for breaking a rule or law by making them suffer a disadvantage :
You will be penalized for poor spelling.
2.
penalize sb (for sth) to punish sb for breaking a rule in a sport or game by giving an advantage to their opponent :
He was penalized for time-wasting.
Foul play will be severely penalized.
3.
to put sb at a disadvantage by treating them unfairly :
The new law appears to penalize the poorest members of society.