punitive

adjective

pu·​ni·​tive ˈpyü-nə-tiv 

: inflicting, involving, or aiming at punishment

severe punitive measures

punitively adverb

punitiveness noun

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Punitive and the Law

Punitive is an important word in the law. When you sue a person or company for having wronged you in some way, you normally ask for something of value equal to what you were deprived of by the other party. But when the defendant has done something particularly bad, you may also ask for punitive damages, money over and above the actual cost of the harm done, intended to teach the defendant a lesson. Punitive damages are fairly rare, but when they're actually granted they may be as much as four times the size of the basic damages.

Synonyms

• castigating
• chastening
• chastising
• correcting
• correctional
• corrective
• disciplinary
• disciplining
• penal
• penalizing

Examples of punitive in a Sentence

The federal government will take punitive action against the company that polluted the river.

Lobbyists complain that the bill would impose punitive taxes on the industry.

Recent Examples on the Web

Companies currying favor have been replaced with those reacting to a climate of fear—of punishing lawsuits, of punitive regulatory reactions—fear that democracy is being replaced by a kind of klepto-feudalism. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 16 Dec. 2024

The district's goal is to be supportive, rather than punitive — but Roberts said that's a delicate balance with the state's new law. —Linh Ta, Axios, 12 Dec. 2024

However, an essential element is missing regarding student enforcement: eliminating punitive measures, such as suspensions, in favor of more supportive interventions. —Nia Hayes and Allyssa Williams, Orlando Sentinel, 12 Dec. 2024

Among the deputy wardens who were passed over was Joseph Caputo who manages court production for the entire system, Elayne Rivera, who has worked in investigations, punitive segregation and other commands, and Steven Ramkisson, the department’s first Guyanese deputy warden. —Graham Rayman, New York Daily News, 11 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French punitif, from Medieval Latin punitivus, from Latin punitus, past participle of punire

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing punitive

• punitive damages

Kids Definition

punitive

adjective

pu·​ni·​tive ˈpyü-nət-iv 

1

: of or relating to punishment or penalties

punitive law

2

: intended to inflict punishment

a punitive expedition against outlaws

punitively adverb

Legal Definition

punitive

adjective

pu·​ni·​tive ˈpyü-nə-tiv 

: inflicting, involving, or aiming at punishment

punitively adverb

punitiveness noun