1 a punishment for breaking a law, rule or contract 处罚；惩罚；刑罚: the death penalty 死刑What's the maximum penalty for smuggling drugs? 走私毒品最严厉的处罚是什么？

2 a disadvantage or sth unpleasant that happens as the result of sth （某事导致的）不利、不愉快情况或后果: I didn't work hard enough and I paid the penalty. I failed all my exams. 我没有用功，因而自食其果，各科考试都不及格。

3 (in sport) a punishment for one team and an advantage for the other team because a rule has been broken （体育）对犯规队伍的处罚: The referee awarded a penalty to the home team. 裁判判给主队一个罚球。