Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

death penalty

noun

ˈdɛθ ˈpɛnəlti

Definition

The death penalty is the state-sanctioned execution of an individual as punishment for a crime.

Examples

The death penalty is a controversial topic in many countries.
Many argue that the death penalty is not an effective deterrent against crime.
Some states have abolished the death penalty, while others continue to enforce it.

Meaning

It refers to a legal process where a person is sentenced to death by the state for committing a serious offense, often referred to as a capital crime.