retributive

[ ri-trib-yuh-tiv ]

/ rɪˈtrɪb yə tɪv /

characterized by or involving retribution: retributive justice.

Nearby words

Also retrib·u·to·ry

[ri-trib-yuh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee] /rɪˈtrɪb yəˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i/.

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

Related formsre·trib·u·tive·ly, adverbun·re·trib·u·tive, adjectiveun·re·trib·u·to·ry, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Then another thing happened, almost whimsical in the way of retributive justice where Mrs. Ray's relatives were concerned.
A Soldier's Trial|Charles King
Sadly and prayerfully while she slept lifted he the retributive mallet and beat in her brittle pate.
The Fiend's Delight|Dod Grile
When this view of the matter was suggested by Esau to the Skipper, he said, Retributive justice be blowed!
Three in Norway|James Arthur Lees
Ah, there is a terrible irony in God's retributive justice, which so blinds a man to the true proportions of things.
Sermons|J. B. Lightfoot