punitive
PYOO-nih-tiv
/ˈpjuːnɪtɪv/
Inflicting or intended as punishment.
Often used in the phrase 'punitive damages' in civil law, where the goal is to punish the defendant rather than just compensate the victim.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'punire' (to punish), which comes from 'poena' (penalty). It is the same root that gives us 'pain' and 'penalty.'
Word relationships
- disciplinary: Disciplinary is more about maintaining order; punitive is specifically about inflicting a penalty.
- rewarding: Providing satisfaction or a benefit.
Commonly confused with
- penal: Penal refers to the system of laws (e.g., penal code); punitive refers to the intent to punish.
Word family
- punish (verb): To inflict a penalty on someone for an offense.
- punishment (noun): The penalty inflicted.
Collocations
- punitive damages
- punitive measures
- punitive action
Example sentences
- "The jury awarded punitive damages to the plaintiff to ensure the company would never repeat its negligent behavior." Civil law
- "The UN imposed punitive sanctions on the country in response to its violation of the peace treaty." International policy
Memory hook
Punitive = Punish. The word 'punish' is right there at the beginning. Intended to punish.
When not to use
Do not use to describe a person's personality unless they are literally trying to punish someone.
Fun facts
- Punitive damages are often much higher than the actual cost of the damage caused.
- In some legal systems, punitive measures are banned in civil cases, focusing only on compensation.
Related words
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