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

• punitiveness noun
• punitively adverb
• 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

Fearing further punitive action, he approached the Madras High Court last week, which ordered authorities to not take any coercive action until the next hearing on 8 October.

From BBC

His Federal Communications Commission chairman hinted at punitive actions against networks whose journalists and comedians run afoul of the president.

From Los Angeles Times

The crackdown on civil society ramped up further following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and punitive new laws leading to mass arrests have muzzled any opposition.

From BBC

During a summit of Arabic and Islamic States on Monday held in Doha, its leaders berated Israel and demanded concrete punitive actions.

From Los Angeles Times

The move wasn’t punitive, with Roberts also accounting for Monday’s off day in hopes “a two-day reset could help” the two-time All-Star.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• disciplinary 
• penal 
• punishing 
• retaliatory 
• vindictive