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
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Their attorneys call for a jury trial and punitive damages. Christina Coulter, People.com, 16 May 2025 The suit is seeking $5 million in compensatory damages and $20 million in punitive damages. Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 14 May 2025 The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is seeking back pay and punitive damages on the former employee’s behalf. Olivia Lloyd, Miami Herald, 13 May 2025 Depp was awarded $10 million (of the $50 million claim) in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages (reduced to $350,000 per state limit). Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 12 May 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Punitive damages.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/punitive%20damages. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

Legal Definition

punitive damages

see damage sense 2

More from Merriam-Webster on punitive damages

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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