retributive

[ ri-trib-yuh-tiv ]

/ rɪˈtrɪb yə tɪv /

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

re·trib·u·tive·ly, adverb un·re·trib·u·tive, adjective un·re·trib·u·to·ry, adjective

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