Punitive damages awarded in addition to compensatory damages to serve as punishment for wanton misconduct or as a deterrent to others. Many states do not allow insurance for such damages.
Damages awarded to punish the defendant, rather than compensate the plaintiff.
Exceptionally heavy damages awarded by a court to deter persons from behaving as the defendant has done. Cf. Punitive damages.
Damages levied against a defendant intended to serve as an example to discourage similar misconduct from others. (See also, Punitive Damages.)
Damages awarded to a private litigant and against a defendant to punish the wrongdoing of the defendant.
Damages to punish (make an example of) the offender. This is done when the wrong is deliberate or grossly negligent and compensatory damages do not appear to be sufficient.
Damages awarded in addition to actual damages when the defendant acts with particular recklessness, malice, or deceit.