retributive

[ ri-trib-yuh-tiv ]

/ rɪˈtrɪb yə tɪv /

SEE SYNONYMS FOR retributive ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

characterized by or involving retribution: retributive justice.

Also retrib·u·to·ry

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

Origin of retributive

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

OTHER WORDS FROM retributive

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

Words nearby retributive

retreatism, retrench, retrenchment, retrial, retribution, retributive, retributivism, retrieval, retrieve, retriever, retro

Example sentences from the Web for retributive

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

The retributive stroke, swift and visible, is not needed to declare this.
Expositor's Bible: The Book of Job|Robert Watson