Punitive (Adjective)
Meaning
Inflicting punishment; "punitive justice"; "punitive damages".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The judge imposed a punitive sentence on the defendant, hoping to deter others from committing similar crimes.
- Punitive measures were taken against the company for violating environmental regulations, resulting in hefty fines and penalties.
- The jury awarded punitive damages to the plaintiff, in addition to compensatory damages, to punish the defendant for their reckless behavior.
- The new policy was designed to be punitive, aiming to discourage employees from taking extended breaks during work hours.
- Critics argued that the government's punitive approach to crime was ineffective and only served to further marginalize already vulnerable communities.