'penalize' originates from French, specifically the word 'pénaliser', which comes from Late Latin 'penalis' (from Latin 'poena'), where 'poena' meant 'punishment' or 'penalty'.

'penalize' changed from French 'pénaliser' (18th century usage) and entered English as 'penalize', adapting from Latin 'poena' through French influence to become the modern English verb 'penalize'.

Initially, it meant 'to subject to a penalty or punishment' (directly tied to 'poena'); over time it has kept that core meaning but broadened to include imposing fines, point deductions, and other regulatory penalties.