retroactive
UK /ˌɹɛt.ɹəʊˈæk.tɪv/ · US /ˌɹɛ.tɹoʊˈæk.tɪv/ adjective
- adjective Extending in scope, effect, application or influence to a prior time or to prior conditions
Synonyms
Antonyms
Etymology
First attested in 1610. From French rétroactif, equivalent to retro- + active.
Webster’s 1913
- adjective Fitted or designed to retroact; operating by returned action; affecting what is past; retrospective. Beddoes. Retroactive law or 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.
Etymology [Cf. F. rétroactif.]
Sources: Wiktionary · WordNet 3.0 · Webster’s 1913 — from the Wiktionary entry “retroactive”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details