punitive

[ˈpjuːnɪtɪv]

punitive Definition

• 1. inflicting or intended as punishment
• 2. serving 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

Synonyms for punitive

• penal
• disciplinary
• corrective
• retributive
• vindictive

Antonyms for punitive

• rewarding
• compensatory
• rehabilitative

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.

• punitive action

  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.

• punitive expedition

  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.'