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 her $3 million in damages and recommended an additional $3 million in punitive damages. — Kaitlyn Huamani, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026

In the case of a willful failure to comply with the law, the company can be liable for actual or statutory damages and punitive damages. — Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 10 July 2026

The jury awarded her $3 million in damages and recommended an additional $3 million in punitive damages. — ABC News, 10 July 2026

The parents, represented by the law firm Rosen Saba, demand a jury trial, exemplary and punitive damages and civil and statutory penalties. — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 9 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1858, in the meaning defined above

Legal Definition

punitive damages

see also:

damage sense 2