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punitiveness

  • a word derived from punitive.
    punitive
    adjective
    serving for, concerned with, or inflicting punishment.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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Without an investment in the therapeutic parts of the criminal legal system, we seem to be inclined toward one of two extremes — permissiveness or punitiveness.

From Seattle Times Aug. 2, 2023

For example, a 2003 literature review found that preschool teachers with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education “were less authoritarian, and were rated higher in positive interaction and lower on punitiveness and detachment.”

From Slate Feb. 9, 2023

It is increasingly clear that a core source of support for reform prosecutors comes from poorer, Blacker communities that bear the brunt of both violence and punitiveness.

From Slate Jun. 10, 2022

One is to reduce the punitiveness of the petty offense process.

From Slate Feb. 17, 2015

The dramatic shift toward punitiveness resulted in a massive reallocation of public resources.

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander