adjectiveformalless common
Intended to punish someone, especially by imposing a penalty.
The government introduced punitive measures against companies that broke the rules.
Common phrases & grammar
punitive measures · punitive action
American English
How to pronounce punitive
adjectiveC1
PʰYOOnuhddihv
/ˈpʰju.nə.ɾɪv/
3 syllables · Stress the first syllable.
Intended to punish someone, especially by imposing a penalty.
Practice out loud