ˈpyünəd.]iv, -ət] adjective
Etymology: French punitif, from Medieval Latin punitivus, from Latin punitus + -ivus -ive
1. : inflicting, awarding, or involving punishment or penalties : aiming at punishment
a punitive law
punitive justice
a punitive expedition
2. : constituting or serving as a severe or discriminatory penalty
punitive taxes
• pu·ni·tive·ly ]ə̇vlē, -li adverb
• pu·ni·tive·ness ]ivnə̇s noun -es