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Nearby words
Idioms
- to act or treat justly or fairly.
- to appreciate properly: We must see this play again to do it justice.
- to acquit in accordance with one's abilities or potentialities: He finally got a role in which he could do himself justice as an actor.
Origin of justice
Definition for justice (2 of 2)
Justice
noun
Examples from the Web for justice
British Dictionary definitions for justice
justice
noun
Word Origin for justice
Word Origin and History for justice
justice
mid-12c., "the exercise of authority in vindication of right by assigning reward or punishment;" also "quality of being fair and just," from Old French justice "justice, legal rights, jurisdiction" (11c.), from Latin iustitia "righteousness, equity," from iustus "upright, just" (see just (adj.)). The Old French word had widespread senses, including "uprightness, equity, vindication of right, court of justice, judge." The word began to be used in English c.1200 as a title for a judicial officer. Meaning "right order, equity" is late 14c. Justice of the peace first attested early 14c. In the Mercian hymns, Latin iustitia is glossed by Old English rehtwisnisse. To do justice to (someone or something) "render fully and fairly showing due appreciation" is from 1670s.
Culture definitions for justice
Justice
A figure in painting and sculpture that symbolizes the impartiality of true justice. The figure of Justice usually appears as a blindfolded woman with a scale in one hand and a sword in the other.
Idioms and Phrases with justice
justice
see do justice to; miscarriage of justice; poetic justice.