punitive

[ˈpjuːnɪtɪv]

punitive Definition

  • 1inflicting or intended as punishment
  • 2serving for, concerned with, or inflicting punishment

Using punitive: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "punitive" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The company imposed punitive measures on employees who violated its policies.

  • Example

    The judge handed down a punitive sentence to the convicted criminal.

  • Example

    The government implemented punitive tariffs on imported goods.

  • Example

    The coach gave the team a punitive workout after their poor performance.

punitive Synonyms and Antonyms

Phrases with punitive

  • punitive damages

    monetary compensation awarded to a plaintiff in a lawsuit as a form of punishment to the defendant for their wrongdoing

    Example

    The court ordered the company to pay $10 million in punitive damages to the victim.

  • a measure taken to punish someone for their actions

    Example

    The school administration took punitive action against the students who were caught cheating on the exam.

  • a military operation undertaken to punish an enemy for an offense

    Example

    The government launched a punitive expedition against the rebels who attacked the border town.

Origins of punitive

from Latin 'punit-', the stem of 'punire', meaning 'to punish'

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Summary: punitive in Brief

The term 'punitive' [ˈpjuːnɪtɪv] refers to actions or measures that are intended to inflict punishment, often in response to wrongdoing. It can be used in legal contexts, such as 'punitive damages,' or in military contexts, such as 'punitive expedition.' Synonyms include 'penal' and 'disciplinary,' while antonyms include 'rewarding' and 'compensatory.'