punitive damages
US /ˈpjuː.nɪ.tɪv ˈdæm.ɪ.dʒɪz/
UK /ˈpjuː.nɪ.tɪv ˈdæm.ɪ.dʒɪz/
1.
damages awarded in excess of normal compensation to the plaintiff to punish a defendant for a wrong and to deter others from similar wrongdoing
:
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The jury awarded the victim $1 million in punitive damages.
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The company faced significant punitive damages for its reckless actions.