punitive
adjective/ˈpjuːnətɪv/
/ˈpjuːnətɪv/
[usually before noun] (formal)- intended as punishment
- There are calls for more punitive measures against people who drink and drive.
- Punitive action will be taken against the hooligans.
- very severe and that people find very difficult to pay
- punitive taxes
- They could impose punitive tariffs of up to 100% on imports.
Word Originearly 17th cent.: from French punitif, -ive or medieval Latin punitivus, from Latin punit- ‘punished’, from the verb punire, from poena ‘penalty’.
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punitive