The meaning of RETROACTIVE is 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, …

The adjective retroactive refers to something happening now that affects the past. For example, a retroactive tax is one that is passed at one time, but payable back to a time before the tax was passed.

RETROACTIVE definition: 1. If a law or decision is retroactive, it has effect from a date before it was approved: 2. If a…. Learn more.

RETROACTIVE definition: operative with respect to past occurrences, as a statute; retrospective. See examples of retroactive used in a sentence.

If a decision or action is retroactive, it is intended to take effect from a date in the past.

Define retroactive. retroactive synonyms, retroactive pronunciation, retroactive translation, English dictionary definition of retroactive. adj. Influencing or applying to a period prior to enactment: a …

Definition of retroactive adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

There are five meanings listed in OED's entry for the adjective retroactive, one of which is labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

The word 'retroactive' originated from the Latin word 'retroactus', which means 'driven back'. It first appeared in the early 17th century, referring to something that takes effect from a date in the past.

Having an effect on events that have already occurred. See example sentences, synonyms, and etymology for the adjective retroactive.