punitiveness
/ˈpjuːnətɪvnəs/
noun
- The quality or tendency to punish people harshly or to seek retribution.
- Some people argue that the school's punitiveness toward minor rule violations creates a fearful atmosphere.
- The judge's punitiveness was criticized by those who believed in rehabilitation.
- The new law reflects a shift toward greater punitiveness in the criminal justice system.
Synonyms