'retributive' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'retributivus,' where 're-' meant 'again' and 'tribuere' meant 'to assign or allot.'

'retributivus' transformed into the French word 'rétributif,' and eventually became the modern English word 'retributive' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to assign or allot again,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'relating to retribution or punishment.'