punitive
/ˈpju.nɪ.tɪv/
PJU · nɪ · tɪv (3 syllables)
English
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Definition
Inflicting punishment; punishing.
Etymology
From Middle French punitif, from Medieval Latin pūnitīvus, from pūniō (“I punish”).
Example Sentences
- "Beijing imposed punitive sanctions on Canada."
- "The jury awarded $10,000 in punitive damages."
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