punitive
/ˈpjuːnɪtɪv/
adjective
- Intended as punishment or to cause someone to suffer for a wrongdoing.
- Some countries use punitive measures like prison sentences to deter crime.
- The teacher gave the student a punitive assignment to complete over the weekend.
- The court imposed a punitive fine on the company for breaking safety laws.
- Extremely severe or harsh, often in a way that feels unfair or excessive.
- The contract had punitive penalties for late payment that many considered unfair.
- Hikers faced punitive conditions on the trail, with extreme heat and no water sources.
- The new tax law includes punitive rates for high earners.
Synonyms
Antonyms