Punitive

 The word “punitive” means intended to punish or serving as a punishment.

Here are a few examples to help you understand the different uses:

1. Legal context:

   • The court awarded punitive damages to punish the company for its negligence.
     → Here, punitive damages are extra payments meant to punish the wrongdoer, not just compensate the victim.

2. General use:

   • The new policy feels too punitive toward employees.
     → Meaning the policy is harsh or focused more on punishment than on fairness or improvement.

In short, punitive = related to punishment or penalty.