Punitive
ˈpjuːnɪtɪv
Definitions
Serving or intended as punishment; inflicting or aiming to inflict punishment.
ˈpjuːnɪtɪv
Inflicting or intended as punishment.
The company faced punitive fines for environmental violations.
💡 Simply: It's like when you get in trouble and the consequences are meant to teach you a lesson, like a longer timeout or extra chores. Think of it as the 'ouch' of the rules.
👶 For kids: When something is meant to be a punishment. Like when you don't listen, and you have to sit in time out!
More Examples
The government implemented punitive measures to curb inflation.
The judge handed down a punitive sentence.
The new laws introduced punitive restrictions on certain activities.
How It's Used
"The court awarded punitive damages to the plaintiff."
"Punitive tariffs are used to discourage trade with certain nations."
"The air strike was a punitive action following the attack."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
Punitive damages
Monetary compensation awarded to a plaintiff beyond compensatory damages to punish a defendant for particularly egregious misconduct.
"The jury awarded the plaintiff both compensatory and punitive damages."
Punitive action
An action taken to punish someone or something.
"The military launched a punitive action against the enemy."
From Latin *pūniō* ('I punish'), related to *poena* ('penalty'). The word entered English in the 17th century, initially referring to punishment in a legal or judicial context.
The term 'punitive' has consistently been associated with legal and judicial contexts throughout its history, reflecting its core meaning of imposing or relating to punishment. It became increasingly common in legal and governmental discussions during the 19th and 20th centuries.
Memory tip
Think of a *punitive* measure as something designed to PUNISH the wrongdoer.
Word Origin
"I punish"