- 1.
(因犯法而受到的)惩罚，处罚 -
• He has paid the penalty for his crimes with ten years in prison. 他因犯罪而受到惩罚被判刑10年。 -
• the death penalty 死刑 - 2.
罚款；罚金；违约金 -
• The penalty for non-performance of contract is heavy. 不履行合同的罚款很重。 - 3.
(体育比赛中对犯规的)处罚 -
• If you pick up the ball with your hand in golf, you suffer a penalty. 打高尔夫球时用手捡球要被罚球。 - 4.
(由某种行为造成的)不良后果；不利地位 -
• He had to pay the penalty for the wrong decisions he made. 他作了错误的决定只好自食苦果。