What is the meaning of "punitive"?

The term "punitive" is derived from the root word "punish," which indicates that it is associated with the notion of inflicting punishment or penalties. This adjective is often used in legal contexts to describe actions or measures taken specifically to penalize individuals or organizations for wrongdoing or misconduct. For example, punitive damages in a legal case are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future. Hence, the choice indicating that "punitive" relates to inflicting punishment accurately captures the essence of the word, providing a clear understanding of its meaning and application.