/ ˈpjuːnətɪv; NAmE / adjective [ usually before noun ] ( formal )
1.
intended as punishment :
There are calls for more punitive measures against people who drink and drive.
( NAmE )
He was awarded punitive damages (= in a court of law) .
2.
very severe and that people find very difficult to pay :
punitive taxes
► pu·ni·tive·ly adverb
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WORD ORIGIN
early 17th cent.: from French punitif , -ive or medieval Latin punitivus , from Latin punit- punished, from the verb punire , from poena penalty.