retributory
- adjective
- /ˌrɛtrɪˈbjuːtəri/
- Formal
- The judge issued a retributory sentence for the crime.
Examples
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Many believe that the retributory justice system is outdated.
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Many societies have included retributory elements in their codes of justice.
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He believed in retributory actions to restore moral balance.
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The court took a retributory approach when deciding the sentence.
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Many societies have included retributory elements in their codes of justice.
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The court took a retributory approach when deciding the sentence.
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He believed in retributory actions to restore moral balance.
Synonyms
That makes someone receive a penalty for breaking a rule
A response that hurts someone in return for an earlier attack
Relating to punishment that aims to give someone what they deserve
Earned fairly because of what someone did
Intended as punishment to restore justice after a wrong
Intended to punish someone in return for a wrong
Antonyms
How Punitive
Surface Forms
Etymology
Retributory comes from the Latin parts re- 'back' and tribuere 'to give', the same part behind tribute and retribution. So, a retributory action is about 'giving back' what someone deserves, especially punishment or reward.