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Webster 1913 Edition


Retroactive

Reˊtro-act′ive

,
Adj.
[Cf. F.
rétroactif
.]
Fitted or designed to retroact; operating by returned action; affecting what is past; retrospective.
Beddoes.
Retroactive law
or
Retroactive statute
(Law)
,
one which operates to make criminal or punishable, or in any way expressly to affect, acts done prior to the passing of the law.

Webster 1828 Edition


Retroactive

RETROAC'TIVE

,
Adj.
[L. retro, backward, and active.]
Operating by returned action; affecting what is past; retrospective.
A retroactive law or statute, is one which operates to affect, make criminal or punishable, acts done prior to the passing of the law.

Definition 2024


retroactive

retroactive

See also: rétroactive

English

Adjective

retroactive (not comparable)

  1. Extending in scope, effect, application or influence to a prior time or to prior conditions

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Translations

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