retributive
AdjectiveOpen English WordNet
Adjective (2)
- of or relating to or having the nature of retribution“retributive justice demands an eye for an eye”Synonyms: retaliatoryretaliativeretributoryvindicatoryOpposite rehabilitativeSimilar punitive, punitory
- given or inflicted in requital according to merits or deserts“retributive justice”Synonyms: retributoryvindicatoryOpposite unjustSimilar just
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Webster's Dictionary (1913)
Re·trib′u·tive, Re·trib′u·to·ry adjective
Origin: Cf. LL. retributorius worthy of retribution.
Of or pertaining to retribution; of the nature of retribution; involving retribution or repayment; as, retributive justice; retributory comforts.
Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54