penal Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective of or relating to punishment
    • penal reform
    • penal code
  2. adjective satellite serving as or designed to impose punishment
    • penal servitude
  3. adjective satellite subject to punishment by law
    punishable.
    • a penal offense

WordNet

Pe"nal adjective
Etymology
L. poenalis, fr. poena punishment: cf. F. pénal. See Pain.
Definitions
  1. Of or pertaining to punishment, to penalties, or to crimes and offenses; pertaining to criminal jurisprudence: as: (a) Enacting or threatening punishment; as, a penal statue; the penal code. (b) Incurring punishment; subject to a penalty; as, a penalact of offense. (c) Inflicted as punishment; used as a means of punishment; as, a penal colony or settlement. "Adamantine chains and penal fire." Milton.

Webster 1913