-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
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 jury also wasn't allowed to award punitive damages for invasion of privacy because the judge ruled Netflix and Realhouse didn't act with malice.
—Ryan Murphy, The Indianapolis Star, 18 Dec. 2024
Her second case against Trump ended in an award of $18.3 million award in compensatory damages for injury to Carroll’s reputation, plus $65 million for punitive damages.
—Robert W. Wood, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
The jury also awarded the victims more than $200,000 each in punitive damages.
—Alex Riggins, The Mercury News, 13 Dec. 2024
Doe is seeking compensatory and punitive damages in the suit.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for punitive damages
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Word History
First Known Use
1858, in the meaning defined above
Articles Related to punitive damages
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 30 Dec. 2024.
Legal Definition
punitive damages
see damage sense 2
More from Merriam-Webster on punitive damages
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share