punitive damages

plural noun

: damages awarded in excess of compensation to the plaintiff to punish a defendant for a serious wrong

Examples of punitive damages in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages and attorneys fees. Lauren Liebhaber, Kansas City Star, 23 May 2024 The jury also awarded $4.2 million in punitive damages. Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for punitive damages 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'punitive damages.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1858, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of punitive damages was in 1858

Dictionary Entries Near punitive damages

Cite this Entry

“Punitive damages.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/punitive%20damages. Accessed 28 May. 2024.

Legal Definition

punitive damages

see damage sense 2

More from Merriam-Webster on punitive damages

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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