retributive
rɪˈtrɪb.jə.tɪv
Definition Synonyms

Definition of retributive - Reverso English Dictionary

Adjective

justice punishmentgiving deserved punishment for wrongdoing or crime
  • The retributive system focuses on giving deserved punishment.
  • The judge favored a retributive sentence for the violent offender.
  • Public opinion demanded retributive justice after the scandal.
penal punitive
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Expressions with retributive

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punishing act done in response to a wrong
The government took retributive action against the hackers.

Origin of retributive

Latin, re- (again) + tribuere (to assign)

Terms with retributive included in their meaning

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justice
the principle of retributive justice

View all translations of retributive

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  1. French:rétributif, ...
  2. German:vergeltend, ...
  3. Italian:retributivo, ...
  4. Spanish:retributivo, ...
  5. Portuguese:retributivo, ...
  6. Chinese:惩罚性的, ...
  7. Japanese:応報的, ...
  8. Arabic:عقابي, ...
  9. Hebrew:תַּגְמוּלִי, ...
  10. Russian:карательный, ...
  11. Ukrainian:каральний, ...
  12. Hindi:दंडात्मक, ...
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