retributive

/rɪˈtrɪbjətɪv/
adjective
  1. Relating to or involving punishment that is deserved and often harsh, especially as a form of justice.
    • Some legal systems focus on rehabilitation rather than retributive justice.
    • The retributive actions of the group only led to more violence.
    • The judge's retributive sentence was meant to match the severity of the crime.
What does "retributive" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean