punitive
adjective
uk/ˈpjuːnətɪv/ usused 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
adverb uk/ˈpjuːnətɪvli/
People who are self-employed are often charged punitively high interest rates.
punitive
noun [ plural ]
LAW US uk/ˈpjuːnətɪv/ uspunitives
→ punitive damages