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punitive

adjective

/ˈpjuːnɪtɪv/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of punitive

Intended to inflict punishment or impose penalties on individuals, groups, or entities that have committed a wrongdoing or violated rules or laws.
"The punitive tariff was imposed to discourage imports and protect domestic industry."

Detailed meaning of punitive

When something is deemed punitive, it signifies a focus on retribution, deterrence, or the application of punitive measures to discourage future misconduct. Punitive actions can range from financial fines and legal penalties to severe disciplinary measures in various contexts, such as law, education, or international relations. This term underscores the intention to hold individuals or entities accountable for their actions by subjecting them to negative consequences, often with the aim of discouraging similar behavior in the future.

Example sentences containing punitive

1. The punitive measures imposed on the company were severe.
2. The court handed down a punitive fine for the environmental violations.
3. The punitive actions against the protestors drew criticism.
4. The school implemented punitive measures for disciplinary issues.
5. The government enacted punitive tariffs on imported goods.
6. The punitive lawsuit sought substantial damages.

History and etymology of punitive

The adjective 'punitive' has its etymological roots in the Latin language. It is derived from the Latin word 'punitivus,' which is related to 'punire,' meaning 'to punish.' The term 'punire' itself has ancient origins and is associated with the notion of retribution and correction for wrongdoing. Over time, 'punitivus' evolved into 'punitive' in English, retaining its fundamental connection to the concept of punishment. When we describe something as 'punitive,' we are referring to actions, measures, or policies that are intended to impose penalties or punishment on individuals, groups, or entities that have committed a wrongdoing or violated established rules or laws, thereby upholding the historical link between the term and its punitive nature.

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Further usage examples of punitive

1. Punitive punishment should be proportionate to the offense.
2. Critics argue that the system is overly punitive.
3. The company faced punitive legal consequences for fraud.
4. The judge imposed punitive restrictions on the defendant.
5. The punitive tax policy had unintended economic consequences.
6. The organization advocated for less punitive sentencing.
7. The punitive laws were criticized for their harshness.
8. A punitive approach may not always yield desired outcomes.
9. The court considered punitive action against the repeat offender.
10. The government's punitive stance on immigration sparked debate.
11. Punitive measures can deter future violations.
12. The union criticized the company's punitive labor policies.
13. The punitive penalties were meant to discourage fraud.
14. Some argue for more rehabilitative measures over punitive ones.
15. The punitive measures taken against the company were severe, but necessary to ensure compliance.
16. The punitive damages awarded to the plaintiff were intended to serve as a deterrent.
17. The punitive expedition was launched to punish the enemy for their aggressive actions.
18. The President has threatened to impose punitive import duties on a range of foreign goods.
19. The punitive law was designed to be harsh in order to discourage criminal behavior.
20. The punitive action taken by the government was criticized for being excessive.
21. The punitive sentence handed down by the judge was intended to send a message to others.
22. The punitive measures taken by the school against the students were seen as too severe by some parents.
23. The punitive measures imposed by the government were intended to change the company's behavior.
24. The punitive tax was imposed to discourage certain behavior.
25. The punitive sanctions were intended to cause economic hardship on the targeted country.
26. The punitive damages awarded in the lawsuit were intended to compensate the victim for their losses and serve as a deterrent to the defendant.