1. the quality or tendency of being punitive; harshness in punishment or discipline

Examples

• The punitiveness of the new school policy surprised many parents.
• Critics argued that the punitiveness of the sentencing guidelines was excessive.
• The judge’s punitiveness in dealing with repeat offenders was well known.
• There was debate about the punitiveness of the company’s disciplinary measures.
• The punitiveness of the coach’s training methods concerned the athletic director.
• Researchers studied the relationship between punitiveness and crime rates.