diktat

As nouns the difference between penalty and diktat

is that penalty is a legal sentence while diktat is a harsh penalty or settlement imposed upon a defeated party by the victor.

As an adjective harsh

is unpleasantly rough to the touch or other senses.

As a verb harsh

is (slang) to negatively criticize.

As a noun diktat is

a harsh penalty or settlement imposed upon a defeated party by the victor.