Definition of "penalize" []

• To subject to a penalty, especially for infringement of a law or official regulation. See Synonyms at punish. (verb-transitive)
• To impose a handicap on; place at a disadvantage. (verb-transitive)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "I will vote for him with or without her (yes i would like her on the ticket .... but will not "penalize" him if he does not pick her)."
• "Some might argue an off-peak plan could "penalize" riders who have no choice but to ride at peak hours, like those with a fixed work schedule."
• "For all you Mc-haters out there, Denver may be passing provocative legislation that will financially "penalize" builders of mega-sized houses."