Retributive: meaning, definitions and examples

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retributive

 

[ rɪˈtrɪbjʊtɪv ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

legal system

Relating to or characterized by retribution, especially as a punishment or revenge.

Synonyms

punitive, revengeful, vindictive

Examples of usage

  • Retributive justice is often seen as an eye for an eye approach.
  • The retributive nature of the punishment shocked many observers.
Context #2 | Adjective

philosophy

Involving or relating to the punishment of someone because they have done something wrong.

Synonyms

corrective, disciplinary, penal

Examples of usage

  • The retributive theory of punishment focuses on the moral responsibility of the individual.
  • Many philosophers debate the effectiveness of retributive justice.

Translations

Translations of the word "retributive" in other languages:

🇵🇹 retributivo

🇮🇳 प्रतिशोधात्मक

🇩🇪 vergeltend

🇮🇩 retrubutif

🇺🇦 репресивний

🇵🇱 retribucyjny

🇯🇵 報復的

🇫🇷 rétributif

🇪🇸 retributivo

🇹🇷 cezalandırıcı

🇰🇷 보복적인

🇸🇦 انتقامي

🇨🇿 retributivní

🇸🇰 retributívny

🇨🇳 报复的

🇸🇮 retributiven

🇮🇸 refsingar

🇰🇿 кек алу

🇬🇪 სასჯელო

🇦🇿 cəzalandırıcı

🇲🇽 retributivo

Word origin

The word 'retributive' is derived from the Latin word 'retributus', which means 'given back'. It first appeared in the English language in the 17th century. The concept of retribution as a form of justice has deep roots in various cultures and legal systems, dating back to ancient times. The idea of balancing the scales of justice through retributive punishment remains a controversial topic in modern society.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,718, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.