retributivism

American

[ri-trib-yuh-tuh-viz-uhm] / rɪˈtrɪb jə təˌvɪz əm /

noun

a policy or theory of criminal justice that advocates the punishment of criminals in retribution for the harm they have inflicted.

Other Word Forms

retributivist

adjective

Etymology

Origin of retributivism

First recorded in 1965–70; retributive + -ism

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

To avoid these perceived moral failings of utilitarianism, retributivism envisions the state as a neutral and dispassionate actor who imposes punishment only as a moral imperative of society.

From Salon • Jun. 14, 2015

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023