Restorative

/rɪˈstɔrətɪv/ adjective

Definition

Helping to make someone feel healthy, strong, or well again; capable of restoring health, energy, or strength.

Etymology

From restore (from Latin restaurare 're-' + 'staure' to make stand) + -ative (adjective suffix). The root implies putting something back on its feet, making it whole again.

Kelly Says

In criminal justice, 'restorative justice' completely flipped the meaning of punishment—instead of damaging offenders further, it aims to repair relationships and restore wholeness, which is poetic because the same word that meant healing now describes a philosophy of healing communities.

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