retroact
Americanverb (used without object)
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to act in opposition; react.
-
to have reference to or influence on past occurrences.
verb
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to act in opposition
-
to influence or have reference to past events
Etymology
Origin of retroact
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
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
