retributive

[ ri-trib-yuh-tiv ]

adjective

1. characterized by or involving retribution:

   retributive justice.

Other Words From

• re·tribu·tive·ly adverb
• unre·tribu·tive adjective
• unre·tribu·tory adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of retributive¹

1670–80; obsolete retribute to make retribution (< Latin retribūtus; retribution ) + -ive

Example Sentences

Gaza's Health Ministry says retributive bombings by Israeli fighter jets have killed 1,100 people and wounded more than 5,000.

From Reuters

“Some term of imprisonment may serve sentencing’s retributive goals. But only a longer-term period of probation is adequate to ensure that Little will not become an active participant in another riot,” he wrote.

From Seattle Times

"The House must not now compound its errors by further retributive actions."

From Salon

The QAnon conspiracy cult with its apocalyptic obsession over Trump's retributive act of destruction known as "the Storm" is one example.

From Salon

Wednesday’s brief, according to the Post report, made other charges about the trial, saying the judge’s “closing remarks demonstrated that Mr. Smollett’s sentencing took on a personal retributive tone.”

From Washington Times

Related Words

• punitive