penalty
noun [ C ] uk/ˈpen.əl.ti/ us/ˈpen.əl.ti/
(PUNISHMENT)
B2 刑罚，惩罚，处罚
a punishment, or the usual punishment, for doing something that is against a law
The law carries a penalty of up to three years in prison. 该法令允许判处长达3年的监禁。
They asked for the maximum penalty for hoax calls to be increased to one year. 他们要求把对恶作剧电话的最高惩罚增至一年监禁。
The protesters were told to clear the area around the building, on penalty of arrest (= or be arrested) if they did not. 抗议者被告知离开大楼周围的地区，否则将被捕。
B2 罚金，罚款
a type of punishment, often involving paying money, that is given to you if you break an agreement or do not follow rules
Currently, ticket holders pay a penalty equal to 25 percent of the ticket price when they change their flight plans. 目前，持票人改变飞行计划时须支付相当于票价25%的罚金。
There was a penalty clause which said you had to pay half the cost if you cancelled your booking. 有一则惩罚条款规定，若取消预订则必须支付一半费用。
B2 （体育运动中对犯规者的）判罚，处罚
an advantage given in some sports to a team or player when the opposing team or player breaks a rule
The referee awarded (= gave) a penalty kick. 裁判员给了一个罚球机会。
Hysen handled the ball and conceded the penalty that gave Manchester United the lead. 海森控球犯规，给了曼联队一次罚球机会，使他们取得了领先。
- More examples
- The maximum penalty for the offence is a $1000 fine.
- Execution is still the penalty in some states for murder.
- I had to pay a penalty fee when my cheque bounced.
- They are campaigning for stiffer penalties for people who drink and drive.
- This offence carries a fixed penalty.
(DISADVANTAGE)
（某情况或行动带来的）不利，劣势
a disadvantage brought about as a result of a situation or action
Loss of privacy is one of the penalties of success. 失去个人隐私乃是功成名就的代价之一。
She has paid a heavy penalty for speaking the truth. 她因说实话而付出了沉重的代价。