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Glite Dictionary
punitory

punitory

9.9
Causing someone to suffer for doing something wrong
  • adjective
  • /ˈpjuːnɪtəri/
translation icon : punitivo
  • The judge imposed a punitory fine to deter future misconduct.

Examples

  • The corporation challenged the punitory measures as excessive and unfair.

  • The judge issued a punitory sentence for the crime.

  • Such punitory actions are rare in civil cases.

  • Many argue that punitory measures do not deter crime.

  • The judge imposed a punitory fine to deter future misconduct.

  • Many argue that punitory measures do not effectively deter crime.

  • The corporation challenged the punitory measures as excessive and unfair.

Synonyms

punitive
vspunitory
  • Formal
81 7.0

That makes someone receive a penalty for breaking a rule

is the same meaning but is marked as rare in usage
disciplinary
vspunitory
  • Formal
71 6.1

Connected with punishment or correction for breaking rules

centres on intended punishment itself rather than general rule enforcement
penal
vspunitory
  • Formal
57 6.2

It is about punishment given by law

covers punishment generally, not limited to legal penalties
vindicatory
vspunitory
9.9

Intended as punishment to restore justice after a wrong

focuses on punishment without the specific aim of vindicating harm

Antonyms

lenient
32 4.4

Not strict about rules and punishment

How Punitive

draconian
  • Formal
28 8.9
punishing
6.5
punitory
9.9
lenient
32 4.4

Surface Forms

punitory positive

Morphology

punitory = punit + ory

This is a learned Latinate formation with the stem punit- and suffix -ory, but the stem is not a transparent modern English base, so average learners are unlikely to derive the meaning from the parts.

Etymology

The word punitory comes from the Latin verb punire, which means 'to punish', and it shares the same root as the everyday word punish. So, a punitory action is one that is meant as punishment.