Penal
'piːnl
Definitions
Relating to, used for, or prescribing the punishment of offenders under the legal system.
'piːnl
Relating to punishment or a penalty.
The new laws introduced stricter penal measures for financial crimes.
💡 Simply: Imagine you break a rule, like cutting in line. A 'penal' consequence is the punishment you get for it. It’s about things that happen because you did something wrong.
👶 For kids: Penal means having to do with rules and punishments.
More Examples
The prison system is part of the penal system.
The judge imposed a penal sentence on the defendant.
How It's Used
"The penal code outlines the specific punishments for various crimes."
"A penal foul was called after the player's unsportsmanlike conduct."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
From Latin *poenalis*, meaning "punishment," derived from *poena*, meaning "penalty" or "punishment."
The term 'penal' has been used in legal and social contexts since the 17th century, initially in reference to laws relating to punishment.
Memory tip
Think of 'penal' like a penalty – something that results in punishment.
Word Origin
"punishment/penalty"