noun / verb
fine
A payment imposed as punishment.
The city fines drivers who park across the sidewalk.
Etymology
The Latin word means an end or settlement. A payment could settle a legal matter, and fine developed into the imposed monetary penalty.
More examples
- He paid the parking fine.
- The company received a substantial fine.
- They were fined for dumping waste.
Forms
fine · fines · fined · fining
Similar words
- penalty
- Broader; need not involve paying money.