- punitively
- Ⅰ.punitive UK US /ˈpjuːnətɪv/ adjective► used to describe costs that are so high they are difficult to pay, and that are often used to punish someone or limit their activities: »
The President has threatened to impose punitive import duties on a range of foreign goods.
► intended as a punishment: punitive action/measures »The company will not take punitive action against the striking workers.
»The UN has imposed punitive sanctions on the invading country.
punitively /ˈpjuːnətɪvli/ adverb► »People who are self-employed are often charged punitively high interest rates.
Ⅱ.punitive UK US /ˈpjuːnətɪv/ noun [plural] US LAW
Financial and business terms. 2012.