punitive damages

plural noun

: damages awarded in excess of compensation to the plaintiff to punish a defendant for a serious wrong

Examples of punitive damages in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Plaintiffs sought a whopping $6 billion in punitive damages. Julie Coleman, CNBC, 1 Nov. 2024 In addition, legal fees—and in some cases punitive damages—are also being sought. Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 29 Oct. 2024 The estate is hoping to have Gossett stand trial for the death of Edwards and the city to award the estate with compensatory damages and punitive damages for Edwards' death. Noe Padilla, The Indianapolis Star, 28 Oct. 2024 The Dodgers were required to pay for medical expenses, pain and suffering and lost wages, but did not have to pay punitive damages. Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for punitive damages 

Word History

First Known Use

1858, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of punitive damages was in 1858

Dictionary Entries Near punitive damages

Cite this Entry

“Punitive damages.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/punitive%20damages. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Legal Definition

punitive damages

see damage sense 2

More from Merriam-Webster on punitive damages

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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