lex talionis

[ leks tal-ee-oh-nis ]

noun

1. the principle or law of retaliation that a punishment inflicted should correspond in degree and kind to the offense of the wrongdoer, as an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth; retributive justice.

lex talionis

/ ˌtælɪˈəʊnɪs /

noun

1. the law of revenge or retaliation

Word History and Origins

Origin of lex talionis¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; from Latin lēx tāliōnis “law of talion” ( talion ( def ) )

Word History and Origins

Origin of lex talionis¹

C16: New Latin

Example Sentences

After a scandal over obtaining automatic weapons forced him from his job as an assistant district attorney in Shreveport, he began prosecuting high-stakes cases around the state on a freelance basis, driven by a passionate belief in “lex talionis,” the law of retaliation.

From Seattle Times

With the latter, the lex talionis—the law of retaliation—governs the basic rules of “eye for an eye” justice.

From Newsweek

A curious note appears on this subject in Lex Talionis.

From Project Gutenberg

I can't imagine what sort of satisfaction she could claim, unless she wants to punish me by the 'Lex talionis', which would be hardly practicable without a repetition of the original offence.

From Project Gutenberg

The lex talionis is an excellent test.

From Project Gutenberg