WordGarden.iopenal
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /pˈiːnəl/
US
- /ˈpinəl/
Meanings
Adjective
relating to legal punishment, penalties, or prisons
Beyond the definition
The word "penal" centers on the idea of punishment. It usually describes something connected to crime, penalties, prisons, or the legal system. A "penal code" is a set of laws that lists crimes and their punishments. A "penal institution" is a prison or similar place where people are kept as punishment. The word comes from the Latin poena, meaning "punishment" or "pain."
"Penal" describes something relating to punishment, penalties, or the treatment of people who have broken the law. It is used mainly in legal and prison-related contexts.
You'll encounter "penal" most often when discussing laws and justice. A "penal code" is the body of law that defines crimes and punishments. A "penal system" refers to the network of prisons and correctional institutions used by a state. A "penal colony" was, historically, a remote settlement where prisoners were sent as punishment. In finance, "penal interest" can refer to an extra rate charged because of late payment or default.
The word is fairly formal and is not commonly used for everyday difficult situations. In ordinary English, people usually do not call a hard workout or a tough journey "penal." Instead, the word normally appears where punishment is official, legal, or institutional. It carries a serious tone and often suggests that rules are being enforced through penalties or confinement.
Examples
- 1
Criminal law
The judge said the case would be handled under the country's penal code.
- Domainpenal code
the written laws about crimes and punishments
- 2
Prison system
Prison overcrowding has become a major problem in the penal system.
- Domainpenal system
the prisons, courts, and rules used for dealing with crime
- 3
Reform policy
The new government promised penal reform after reports of poor prison conditions.
- Domainpenal reform
changes to laws, prisons, or punishment practices
- 4
Historical punishment
In the nineteenth century, some prisoners were sent to penal colonies overseas.
- Domainpenal colony
a place where prisoners were sent to live and work
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- penal code
- penal system
- penal colony
- penal reform
Word family
Explore
- criminal justice
- sentencing
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- penaladjective