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
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.
There was a jury verdict for compensatory and punitive damages, which was appealed. Robert W. Wood, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025 The complaint is seeking compensatory and punitive damages of more than $50 million. David Close, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2025 The three-time Super Bowl champ, who is being sued for over $50 million in compensatory and punitive damages, released a statement via his lawyer online disputing the claims. Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 21 Apr. 2025 Of the $15 million that the jury awarded Depp, $5 million was in punitive damages aimed to punish Heard for especially reprehensible conduct. Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 19 Apr. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Punitive damages.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/punitive%20damages. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

Legal Definition

punitive damages

see damage sense 2

More from Merriam-Webster on punitive damages

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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