C2adverbformallawmoney
US/ˈpjuː.nə.tɪv.li/
UK/ˈpjuː.nə.tɪv.li/
in a way that is meant to punish, or so severely that it seems like a punishment
In context
Parking in the city centre is punitively expensive for commuters.
Critics say the new rules treat small mistakes too punitively.
Some countries tax sugary drinks punitively to reduce obesity.
Words that go with punitively
adverb + adjective
- punitively expensiveHotels near the stadium were punitively expensive during the final.
- punitively highInterest rates on payday loans are punitively high.
adverb + verb
- punitively taxedIn some countries, cars are punitively taxed.
verb + adverb
- act punitivelyManagers should not act punitively when staff report mistakes.
- respond punitivelyThe government responded punitively to the strike.
- used punitivelyGrades should never be used punitively.