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

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Guyger was ordered to pay about $60 million in punitive damages and $38.6 million in compensatory damages to the family of Jean, who was Black, resulting in a $98.65 million settlement in the wrongful death case, per the filing. —

Nicole Acosta, People.com, 21 Nov. 2024 The racehorse owners seek at least $3 million dollars in compensation, as well as additional compensation for punitive damages. —

Leo Bertucci, The Courier-Journal, 6 Nov. 2024 The lawsuit is seeking compensatory and punitive damages. —

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024 The men are seeking compensatory and punitive damages. —

Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 21 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for punitive damages

Word History

First Known Use

1858, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of punitive damages was in 1858

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Punitive damages.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/punitive%20damages. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

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