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

While few details have been shared about Russell Vought’s latest layoffs, there is no question this is poorly timed and yet another example of this administration’s punitive actions toward the federal workforce.

Read more on Salon

The United States on Friday threatened to impose sanctions and take other punitive action against any country that votes in favor of a carbon tax on maritime transportation to be implemented through a UN agency.

Read more on Barron's

“Because these are public entities, they’re not going to be liable for punitive damages.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Spare a thought then for Switzerland, which has been hit with punitive tariffs of 39%, and has so far been unable to persuade the US president to relent.

Read more on BBC

Sanchez’s employer, Fox Corp., is named as a co-defendent in the suit, in which Tole seeks compensatory and punitive damages to be determined at trial.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• disciplinary 
• penal 
• punishing 
• retaliatory 
• vindictive