Intended as a punishment, or extremely severe and difficult, like a harsh penalty.
From Medieval Latin *punitivus*, from Latin *punire* meaning 'to punish'. It entered English legal and formal language to describe actions focused on punishment rather than repair.
Punitive describes systems that lean hard on punishment, like 'punitive damages' in lawsuits or 'punitive discipline' at school. When you hear *punitive*, think: 'Is this about teaching, or just about hurting back?'
Punitive approaches in law, education, and family life have often been used to police gender roles and sexuality, particularly for women and LGBTQ+ people. Describing policies as 'punitive' can highlight how they disproportionately impact marginalized genders.
Use 'punitive' to critique policies or practices, not people, and be attentive to how punitive systems may reinforce gender and other inequalities.
["overly harsh","retributive","strictly disciplinary"]
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