punitive

UK/'pjuːnɪtɪv/US/'pju:nitiv/

Definitions

adj.

Intended as or relating to punishment.

惩罚性的，处罚性的。

adj.

Extremely severe or harsh (especially of costs, taxes, or measures).

（尤指费用、税收、措施）极其严苛的。

Root Breakdown

Root-derived

punpunish, penalty, pain

-itivetending to, having the nature of

=punitive

From Latin pūnīre (punish) + -ive (tending to). Punitive describes anything whose purpose is to make someone pay — and by extension, anything so harsh it feels like punishment (punitive prices).

Root pun still carries 33 more words

Common Collocations

1.punitive damages惩罚性赔偿
2.punitive measures惩罚性措施
3.punitive tariffs惩罚性关税
4.punitive action惩处行动

Example Sentences

1.
The court awarded punitive damages against the company.
2.
The government imposed punitive tariffs on imported steel.
3.
Rent in the city center is downright punitive.

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