Penal
/ˈpiː.nəl/noun
Relating to, or prescribing the punishment of offenders under the legal system.
Did you know?The term 'penal' derives from Latin roots that evoke a sense of pain and suffering, revealing the harsh nature of justice in ancient times.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
poena
“Punishment, penalty, suffering.”
Old French
Old French
penal
“Relating to punishment, derived from Latin.”
Middle English
Middle English
penal
“Pertaining to punishment or legal penalties.”
Modern English
Modern English
penal
“Used to describe laws and systems of punishment.”