penal

Definition

Of or relating to punishment.

Etymology

From Old French peinal, from Medieval Latin penalis, from Latin poenalis, from poena (“punishment”), from Ancient Greek ποινή (poinḗ, “punishment”), from Proto-Indo-European *kʷoynéh₂.

Example Sentences

• "penal servitude"
• "a penal offence"
• "a penal colony"

Related Words