retroactive
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.ret·ro·ac·tive
adjective \-ˈak-tiv\Definition of RETROACTIVE
: extending in scope or effect to a prior time or to conditions that existed or originated in the past; especially : made effective as of a date prior to enactment, promulgation, or imposition <retroactive tax>
— ret·ro·ac·tive·ly adverb
— ret·ro·ac·tiv·i·ty \-ˌak-ˈti-və-tē\ noun
See Examples of RETROACTIVE
- They all received a retroactive pay raise.
- The new tax will be retroactive to January 1.
Origin of RETROACTIVE
French rétroactif, from Latin retroactus, past participle of retroagere to drive back, reverse, from retro- + agere to drive — more at agent
First Known Use: 1611
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Rhymes with RETROACTIVE
ret·ro·ac·tive
adjective \ˌre-trō-ˈak-tiv\ (Medical Dictionary)Medical Definition of RETROACTIVE
: having relation or reference to or efficacy in a prior time; specifically : relating to, caused by, or being obliteration of the results of learning by immediately subsequent activity <retroactive inhibition>
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