Definition

To have an effect on something that happened in the past; to apply a rule or law to a previous time.

Example

The new law will retroact to cover events that occurred last year.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I was thinking about how our past decisions can really retroact on our current situation.

That's true! Sometimes I feel like my old habits come back to haunt me.

Exactly! It’s interesting how things we did long ago still affect us today.

Yeah, it’s a reminder to make better choices in the future.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Retroact → It is formed from "retro-" (meaning backward) and "agere" (meaning to act). The word describes the act of applying something to a previous time or situation.

Memory Tip

Think of acting 'backward' — 'retro-' means backward, and 'agere' means to act. This helps you remember that retroact refers to acting on something from the past.

Visually Confused Words