pu·ni·tive \ˈpyünəd.]iv, -ət]\adjective Etymology: French punitif, from Medieval Latin punitivus, from Latin punitus + -ivus -ive 1.: inflicting, awarding, or involving punishment or penalties : aiming at punishment < a punitive law > < punitive justice > < a punitive expedition > 2.: constituting or serving as a severe or discriminatory penalty < punitive taxes > • pu·ni·tive·ly\]ə̇vlē, -li\adverb • pu·ni·tive·ness\]ivnə̇s\noun-es