What does "penalties" mean?

1. (punishments) punishments given for breaking a law, rule, or contract. 2. (sporting fouls) punishments in a game, like a free shot at the goal after a foul. 3. (a shootout) a series of penalty kicks used to decide a winner when a game ends in a tie.

How do you use "penalties"?

Often used with the verb 'to go to'.

penalties

US //ˈpɛnəɫtiz// UK //pˈɛnəltɪz// penal·ties

1 punishments (n.)
B1 Intermediate Law

punishments given for breaking a law, rule, or contract.

sanctions or punishments imposed for a violation of law, regulation, or contractual obligation.

Example

The company faced heavy financial penalties for polluting the local river.

Example

The new legislation introduces stricter criminal penalties for data breaches, including significant fines and potential custodial sentences for company directors.
- rewards
- incentives
2 sporting fouls (n.)
B1 Intermediate Sport

punishments in a game, like a free shot at the goal after a foul.

disadvantages or handicaps imposed on a player or team for an infringement of the rules.

Example

The referee gave three penalties during the second half of the match.

Example

The team's lack of discipline resulted in several unnecessary penalties, ultimately costing them their lead in the final minutes of the game.
- foul
- infringement

Show 1 more senseShow fewer

3 a shootout (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Informal Sport

a series of penalty kicks used to decide a winner when a game ends in a tie.

a penalty shootout used as a tie-breaking method in association football and similar sports.

Example

The game was so close that it finally went to penalties.

Example

After a gruelling two hours of scoreless play, the quarter-final was decided on penalties, with the underdog goalkeeper making two spectacular saves.

Usage

Often used with the verb 'to go to'.
- shootout