punitive

adjective

pu·​ni·​tive ˈpyü-nə-tiv How to pronounce punitive (audio)
: 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.

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 But Republicans are hopeful this version of the bill will be looked upon more favorably after amending the legislation to reduce its punitive nature. Jenna Barackman, Kansas City Star, 22 Mar. 2024 For all that Israel appears to be waging a punitive campaign against the people of Gaza, this campaign looks likely to end up punishing Israel as well. Andrew Exum, The Atlantic, 18 Mar. 2024 So, too, have Britain’s scandal-mongering tabloids, likely out of concern over U.K.’s more punitive libel laws. Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 13 Mar. 2024 There would’ve been some punitive action against Stepakoff, but his crime was neither violent nor costly (restitution was $500) and his sentence wasn’t prison, but a year on probation. David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 8 Mar. 2024 There was widespread agreement at the time that taking a less punitive approach to low-level offenders and treating the causes of crime, like drug addiction, could make the criminal justice system more effective and free up resources that could be directed at pursuing violent offenders. Rick Rojas, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2024 But divorce lawyers say the practice – which goes beyond Missouri – is not meant to be punitive for pregnant women and has some important practical benefits. Geoff Mulvihill, Fortune, 1 Mar. 2024 In his Saturday interview, Biden said that an Israeli invasion of Rafah would be a red line, before adding in the same breath that crossing it would not result in punitive measures against Israel. Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN, 11 Mar. 2024 The number of cars the U.S. imports from China barely registers due to punitive tariffs of 25% imposed on top of the standard 2.5% import duty. Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 1 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'punitive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of punitive was in 1593

Dictionary Entries Near punitive

Cite this Entry

“Punitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/punitive. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

punitive

adjective
pu·​ni·​tive ˈpyü-nət-iv How to pronounce punitive (audio)
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 How to pronounce punitive (audio)
: inflicting, involving, or aiming at punishment
punitively adverb
punitiveness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on punitive

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