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# the ultimate penalty

phrase (noun phrase, «the ultimate penalty», also «the ultimate price»)

«the ultimate penalty» in the English dictionary: in the primary school — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## In the primary school

Source: Mova's pupils' dictionary. Licence: [Elamur Cosmic License](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/LICENSE/). Reviewed: the dictionary the pupils of Mova's primary school read; its examples quote the lessons and public-domain tales. Ships with Mova.

### Meaning

1. (euphemism, official) the death penalty, being put to death by the state for a crime.
2. (sport) the heaviest punishment in a game, e.g. being sent off.
3. «pay the ultimate price» = die (often of soldiers).

### In the lessons

Lawyers, officials and news writers use it to speak of execution in a cold, formal way that avoids the words «death» or «kill». Found in news about law and in history lessons. «The ultimate price» honours soldiers.

### Examples

- (news) In some countries murder can still carry the ultimate penalty.
- (history) Traitors once faced the ultimate penalty.
- (debate) Many people believe no state should use the ultimate penalty.
- (memorial) These soldiers paid the ultimate price.
- (sport) A red card is the ultimate penalty in football.
- (court report) The prosecutors did not seek the ultimate penalty.

### Note

Trap: «penalty» in football is also a free kick at goal, which is not «the ultimate penalty». The euphemism hides killing behind neutral words; in class discuss what it really means.