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

The jury awarded $95 million in compensatory damages and $400 million in punitive damages — the largest verdict by far, at this point, in a case over whether preterm infant formulas cause NEC. — Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026

Jurors awarded her $3 million in compensatory damages and $3 million in punitive damages, with Meta assigned 70% of the total. — Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 18 Aug. 2026

Said is seeking compensatory and punitive damages, attorneys’ fees and other relief and has requested a jury trial. — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 16 Aug. 2026

Said is seeking compensatory and punitive damages along with her attorneys’ fees. — Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1858, in the meaning defined above

Legal Definition

punitive damages

see also:

damage sense 2