adjective
penal
PEE-nul/ˈpiːnl/
Relating to punishment for breaking the law.
The locked cell corridor forms part of the penal institution.
Etymology
The pieces mean “relating to punishment.” This connection explains why penal describes laws, penalties, and prisons in terms of their role in imposing punishment.
In context
Transportation was a common punishment penal Transportation particularly sending um criminals to the new world
More examples
- Penal reform aims to make sentences fairer.
- The judge explains the penal consequences of violating probation.
- The report describes harsh conditions in the penal system.
Forms
penalize verb — To punish someone for an offense.
penalty noun — A punishment imposed for an offense.
Similar words
- punitive
- Emphasizes inflicting punishment, not necessarily under criminal law.
- correctional
- Relates specifically to prisons and the treatment of offenders.