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Definition of punitive

punitive

/ˈpjuːnɪtɪv/
pu · ni · tive
Adverb:punitively
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punitive Lexical Profile

punitive Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Inflicting or intended as punishment, especially in a legal, disciplinary, or regulatory context.

Example

"The court ordered the corporation to pay millions in punitive damages for its gross negligence."

2

Extremely high, severe, or burdensome (especially of taxes, costs, or interest rates).

Example

"Small business owners complained that the punitive interest rates made borrowing nearly impossible."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for punitive

• Nearby Words

punishing
punishingly
punishment
punitive
punitively
punjabi
punk

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the early 17th century from Medieval Latin punitivus, from Latin punitus, the past participle of punire ('to punish'), which is ultimately derived from poena ('penalty' or 'punishment').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Punitive. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/punitive
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