Words / C1

PYOON-uh-tiv/ˈpjuːnətɪv/

Punitive means intended as punishment, or extremely severe in that effect: a punitive unpaid night, punitive hours. Punish (already in the dictionary) is the verb; discipline talk does not fill a cell.

Meaning

Intended as punishment, or extremely severe in that effect (from punish, already in the dictionary).

Examples

• “A punitive unpaid night is still a cover hole, not “discipline”.”
• “Punish is already in this course. Penal is the close twin. Discipline is a slogan. A name on the log is cover. Write the name; then call it discipline if the grid is still full.”

Good to know

Meant as punishment. Verb: punish (already in the dictionary). “Discipline” ≠ a named spare.

Near in meaning

penal, disciplinary, retaliatory

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