retroact

American

[re-troh-akt] / ˈrɛ troʊˌækt /

verb (used without object)

to act in opposition; react.
to have reference to or influence on past occurrences.

retroact British

/ ˈrɛtrəʊˌækt /

verb

to act in opposition
to influence or have reference to past events

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of retroact

First recorded in 1785–95; retro- + act

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 sum up: If instinct did not lead us to retroact, to examine an object unexpectedly offered to our gaze, each surprise would expose us to error.

From Delsarte System of Oratory by Various

The concentric is the passive state, for when one experiences a deep emotion, he must retroact.

From Delsarte System of Oratory by Various

In all such eases, odd as it may sound, our judgment may actually be said to retroact and to enrich the past.

From Meaning of Truth by James, William

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