retributivism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Academic
Quick answer
What does “retributivism” mean?
A theory of justice that punishment should be inflicted on a person as vengeance for a wrong or criminal act.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A theory of justice that punishment should be inflicted on a person as vengeance for a wrong or criminal act.
In philosophy and legal theory, the doctrine that the primary justification for punishment is that offenders deserve to be punished in proportion to the severity of their crime, regardless of any rehabilitative or deterrent effects.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or usage differences. The term is equally technical in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral academic term in both, though public discourse may associate it with harsh or 'eye-for-an-eye' justice.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language, confined almost exclusively to academic/legal texts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “retributivism” in a Sentence
[Subject] advocates/rejects/defends retributivism.Retributivism is based on [principle].The central tenet of retributivism is [that...].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “retributivism” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The judge's retributivist stance was clear from his summing-up.
American English
- Her retributivist arguments were outlined in the law review article.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Core term in philosophy of law, ethics, and criminology papers and debates.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Precise term denoting a specific penal theory.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “retributivism”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “retributivism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “retributivism”
- Using it to mean 'retribution' (the act).
- Confusing it with general 'punishment'.
- Misspelling as 'retributivisim' or 'retributionism'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While both involve payback, retributivism is a formal, impersonal theory of justice focused on proportional desert, whereas revenge is a personal, emotional act.
It is a crude, literal form of it. Modern philosophical retributivism argues for proportional punishment, not necessarily identical harm.
No modern legal system is based purely on retributivism. Most combine retributive elements (proportional sentencing) with deterrent, rehabilitative, or restorative aims.
Critics argue it is inherently backward-looking, focuses on inflicting suffering rather than preventing future crime, and does not contribute to social good.
A theory of justice that punishment should be inflicted on a person as vengeance for a wrong or criminal act.
Retributivism is usually formal, academic in register.
Retributivism: in British English it is pronounced /ˌrɛtrɪˈbjuːtɪvɪz(ə)m/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌrɛtrəˈbjuːtɪvɪzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: RE-TRIBUTE-ivism. A 'tribute' paid back (re-) for a crime, forming an '-ism' (a theory).
Conceptual Metaphor
JUSTICE IS A BALANCING OF SCALES (offender must 'pay back' harm).
Practice
Quiz
What is the core principle of retributivism?