punitive
word
Definition
Related to punishment; used to describe actions or measures that are meant to punish someone for wrongdoing.
Usage & Nuances
"Punitive" is formal and often used in legal, academic, or official contexts. Common collocations: "punitive action", "punitive damages", "punitive measures". Do not use for minor or informal punishments.
Spanish: punitivoPortuguese (BR): punitivoPortuguese (PT): punitivoChinese (Simplified): 惩罚性的Chinese (Traditional): 懲罰性的Hindi: दंडात्मकArabic: عقابيBengali: শাস্তিমূলকRussian: карательный - взыскательный (штрафной)Japanese: 懲罰的Vietnamese: trừng phạtKorean: 징벌적Turkish: cezaiUrdu: تعزیریIndonesian: bersifat menghukum - bersifat represif
Example Sentences
The school imposed punitive measures for cheating.
basic
He received punitive damages in court.
basic
The government took punitive action against the company.
basic
These punitive rules are too harsh for a first offense.
natural
Critics say the tax is more punitive than effective.
natural
They warned about punitive tariffs if talks failed.
natural