Word
punitive
Phoneticspuni·tive
US/ˈpjunətɪv/
UK/pjˈuːnɪtˌɪv/
Definition
adj. intended to punish someone or something. It often describes very high costs or strict rules that feel like a penalty.
adj. inflicting, involving, or aiming at punishment. Often describes financial measures or legal actions intended to deter specific behaviors through harsh consequences.
Examples
“The government imposed punitive taxes on tobacco products.”
“The court awarded punitive damages to the plaintiff to ensure the company would never repeat its negligent actions.”
“While the initial sanctions were intended as a diplomatic warning, the subsequent measures were purely punitive, designed to cripple the nation's industrial capacity and force a total surrender.”
Examples
simple
“The government imposed punitive taxes on tobacco products.”
contextual
“The court awarded punitive damages to the plaintiff to ensure the company would never repeat its negligent actions.”
complex
“While the initial sanctions were intended as a diplomatic warning, the subsequent measures were purely punitive, designed to cripple the nation's industrial capacity and force a total surrender.”
Usage
Commonly modifies nouns like 'damages', 'measures', 'taxes', or 'action'.
Real-World Examples
“But this must be built around the principles of support and opportunity, rather than the failed punitive approaches of the past.” “But in Tuesday’s statement, Rubio doubled down on his criticism, hinting at more punitive measures to come.” “The report said, “an order of punitive damages against Arconic could cover these expenses, at no public cost”.” “An immigrant from Ireland’s County Kerry, Connor had served in the Mexican-American War and would later lead a punitive campaign against the Sioux, the Cheyenne and the Arapaho.” Etymology
From Middle French punitif, from Medieval Latin pūnitīvus, from pūniō (“I punish”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domains
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/punitive