punitive damages

plural noun

Law.

1. damages awarded to a plaintiff in excess of compensatory damages in order to punish the defendant for a reckless or willful act.

Word History and Origins

Origin of punitive damages¹

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

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

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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.

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Tole is seeking compensatory and punitive damages to be determined at trial.

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They are seeking compensatory and punitive damages in an amount to be determined at trial.

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Harrison and her partner are seeking an order requiring Dignity Health hospitals to provide emergency abortions in a manner compliant with state law, as well as compensatory and punitive damages.

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