/tə ˈkɒmpaʊnd ə ˈpiːnəl ˈækʃən/ – Phrase
Definition: xch to compound a crime.
A more thorough explanation: “To compound a penal action” means to settle or compromise a legal action or offense by agreeing to a specific penalty or punishment, typically in exchange for the withdrawal of the legal action or the dropping of charges.
Example: The prosecutor sought to compound the penal action by adding additional charges against the defendant.