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View synonyms for

punitive

[ pyoo-ni-tiv ]

adjective

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

    punitive laws; punitive action.



punitive

/ ˈpjuːnɪtərɪ; ˈpjuːnɪtɪv; -trɪ /

adjective

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

    a punitive expedition

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˈܲԾپԱ, noun
  • ˈܲԾپ, adverb
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Other Word Forms

  • n·پ· adverb
  • n·پ·Ա noun
  • ԴDz·n·پ adjective
  • ԴDz·n·ٴr adjective
  • -n·پ adjective
  • i·n·پ adjective
  • i·n·ٴr adjective
  • ܲ·n·پ adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of punitive1

1615–25; < Medieval Latin ūīīܲ of punishment, equivalent to Latin ūī ( us ) (past participle of ūī to punish ) + -īܲ -ive
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Word History and Origins

Origin of punitive1

C17: from Medieval Latin ūīīܲ concerning punishment, from Latin ūī to punish
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The president shared that he's considering walking back punitive 145% tariffs on the country while speaking with reporters on Tuesday.

From

Delaying the onset of puberty in kids seems like it's punitive, as if they believe neurodivergent people don't deserve normal sexual development.

From

“I don’t know that trade threats or punitive measures will really improve the situation,” Mumme said.

From

The judgment was for compensatory damages only; determination of punitive damages is still to come.

From

Certainly the Chinese economy faces a massive hit from punitive tariffs in its biggest market.

From

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punitionpunitive damages