retributive

Also retrib·u·to·ry

[ri-trib-yuh-tiv]

adjective

1. characterized by or involving retribution.

   retributive justice.

Other Word Forms

• retributively adverb
• unretributive adjective
• unretributory adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of retributive¹

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

Example Sentences

It was one of several cases Winston turned down in quick succession, they added, that would have pitted the firm against an openly retributive president.

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A majority of the country is not on board with their wild grievance-laden, retributive agenda.

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“The best hope was their sticking together and fighting the illegal, retributive orders.”

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"There will be no politicization at the FBI. There will be no retributive actions taken by any FBI."

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

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Related Words

• punitive