ˈpēn ə lˌīz, ˈpen- transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Usage: see -ize
Etymology: penal (I) + -ize
1. : to inflict a penalty on
penalize unlicensed drivers
penalize the team 10 yards for unnecessary roughness
: put at a serious disadvantage
following his initial triumph he was bound to be penalized by his own achievement — John Mason Brown
2. : to make (an action) legally punishable