adj
punitive
PYOO-nih-tihv
adj
1
Intended as a punishment, or inflicting one.
"The government imposed punitive tariffs on imports."
How to Use Punitive
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMeant to punish, especially through fines, taxes, or damages.
Common pairings
punitive damages
punitive measures
punitive tax
Word Forms
more punitive comparative, most punitive superlative
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Etymology
From Medieval Latin punitivus, from punire, "to punish."