penology

[pee-nol-uh-jee] /piˈnɒl ə dʒi/

noun

the study of the punishment of crime, in both its deterrent and its reformatory aspects.

the study of the management of prisons.

Also, poenology.

Origin

1830-40; peno- (combining form representing Greek poinḗ penalty) + -logy

Related forms

penological

[peen-l-oj-i-kuh l] /ˌpin lˈɒdʒ ɪ kəl/ (Show IPA), adjective

penologist, noun

Can be confused

penal, penological, punitive.

Examples from the web for penology

In the nineteenth century, debate focused on systems of penology.
The chapter shows how these histories have been shaped by ever-changing ideologies of gender and penology.
The commission shall appoint a director of corrections who shall be qualified by training and experience in penology.

British Dictionary definitions for penology

penology

/piːˈnɒlədʒɪ/

noun

the branch of the social sciences concerned with the punishment of crime

the science of prison management

Also called poenology

Derived Forms

penological (ˌpiːnəˈlɒdʒɪkəl) adjective
penologically, adverb
penologist, noun

Word Origin

C19: from Greek poinē punishment

Word Origin and History for penology

"study of punishment and crime prevention," 1838, coined apparently by Francis Lieber, corresponding member of the Philadephia Society for Alleviating the Miseries of Public Prisons, from pen- as in penitentiary (ultimately from Latin poena "penalty, punishment;" see penal) + -ology "study of." Related: Penologist; penological.