punitive

American  

[pyoo-ni-tiv] / ˈpyu nɪ tɪv /

Also punitory

adjective

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

   punitive laws; punitive action.

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punitive British  

/ ˈpjuːnɪtərɪ, ˈpjuːnɪtɪv, -trɪ /

adjective

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

   a punitive expedition

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of punitive

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

Example Sentences

But this strong father figure is also punitive in nature; they want to earn his approval to avoid being punished.

From Salon

Many countries, particularly in south-east Asia, are now facing significantly less punitive rates than they were before.

From MarketWatch

He added that while low valuations can sometimes signal deeper structural issues, “we believe the recent re-rating may be overly punitive given the broader fundamental strength still evident across the software landscape.”

From Barron's

Shiber at one point sought up to $20 million, related to lost potential earnings, emotional impact and punitive damages against the firm.

From The Wall Street Journal

Washington has also threatened Mexico and other exporter with punitive tariffs if they continue deliveries.

From Barron's

Related Words

• disciplinary
• penal
• punishing
• retaliatory
• vindictive