punitive

Also pu·ni·to·ry

[pyoo-ni-tiv]

adjective

1. serving for, concerned with, or inflicting punishment.

   punitive laws; punitive action.

punitive

/ ˈpjuːnɪtərɪ, ˈpjuːnɪtɪv, -trɪ /

adjective

1. relating to, involving, or with the intention of inflicting punishment

   a punitive expedition

Other Word Forms

• punitively adverb
• punitiveness noun
• nonpunitive adjective
• nonpunitory adjective
• self-punitive adjective
• semipunitive adjective
• semipunitory adjective
• unpunitive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of punitive¹

1615–25; < Medieval Latin pūnītīvus of punishment, equivalent to Latin pūnīt ( us ) (past participle of pūnīre to punish ) + -īvus -ive

Word History and Origins

Origin of punitive¹

C17: from Medieval Latin pūnītīvus concerning punishment, from Latin pūnīre to punish

Example Sentences

Then, as now, the two-party system holds diametrically opposing views of America: big versus small government, free trade versus punitive tariffs, a wealth class versus the needs of the common people.

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She said any reform "must be in the best interests of patients" adding "this process should never be punitive in nature."

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In necropolitics, governance is primarily viewed through a Social Darwinist lens of survival of the fittest, where certain populations and groups are deemed disposable by the punitive and punishing state.

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Aurinia and its U.S. subsidiary brought the suit against Tidmarsh, alleging defamation and injurious falsehood, and seeking damages for its losses, plus punitive damages.

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In most cases, it’s wise to axe store cards, which frequently have punitive interest rates.

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Related Words

• disciplinary 
• penal 
• punishing 
• retaliatory 
• vindictive