adjective
- relating to or characterized by punishment that is considered morally right and fully deserved
Usage: formal
Examples
- The judge imposed retributive justice on the convicted criminal.
- Many believe that retributive punishment serves as a deterrent to crime.
- The victim’s family sought retributive action against their attacker.
- Ancient legal codes were often based on retributive principles.
- The novel explores themes of retributive justice and moral responsibility.
- Some argue that rehabilitation is more effective than retributive measures.