punitive damages

plural noun

, Law.

1. damages awarded to a plaintiff in excess of compensatory damages in order to punish the defendant for a reckless or willful act.

Word History and Origins

Origin of punitive damages¹

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

A Florida appeals court ruled in June that there was enough evidence of negligence and actual malice by CNN to allow Young to seek punitive damages from the network.

From Los Angeles Times

The Dodgers were required to pay for medical expenses, pain and suffering and lost wages, but did not have to pay punitive damages.

From Los Angeles Times

Attorneys for the tenants are seeking awards for punitive damages or exemplary damages.

From Los Angeles Times

The court granted Netflix’s requests to scrap Harvey’s negligence claims and plea for punitive damages.

From Los Angeles Times

He is seeking $10 million in actual and compensatory damages as well as exemplary and punitive damages to be decided at trial.

From Los Angeles Times