punitive

pu·ni·tive

adj \ˈpyü-nə-tiv\

Definition of PUNITIVE

: inflicting, involving, or aiming at punishment <severe punitive measures>

— pu·ni·tive·ly adverb

— pu·ni·tive·ness noun

Examples of PUNITIVE

1. The federal government will take punitive action against the company that polluted the river.
2. Lobbyists complain that the bill would impose punitive taxes on the industry.

Origin of PUNITIVE

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

First Known Use: 1624

Related to PUNITIVE

Synonyms: castigating, chastening, chastising, correcting, correctional, corrective, disciplinary, disciplining, penal, penalizing

Antonyms: nonpunitive

Related Words: retaliative, retaliatory, retributive, retributory, revengeful; vengeful, wrathful

Near Antonyms: compensatory; acquitting, exculpating, exculpatory, exonerating, vindicating; absolving, condoning, pardoning, remitting; commuting, reprieving

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Rhymes with PUNITIVE

unitive