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 of punitive

• correctional
• penal
• corrective
• correcting

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

The actions toward Nicaragua are punitive and proportionate to the dictatorship's conduct; there is no negotiation posture, let alone dialogue. —Associate News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2025

My mom was a wonderful parent—and not in a way that was punitive or especially rigid, either. —Literary Hub, 10 Dec. 2025

Solano County's juvenile detention facility offers behavioral training, vocational/ trade training, and social-skills development instead of a purely punitive incarceration model. —CBS News, 5 Dec. 2025

Yes, there is room to increase taxes on the rich, but punitive taxes can harm growth. —Allison Schrager, Twin Cities, 30 Nov. 2025

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