justice
UK: ˈdʒʌstɪs | US: ˈdʒʌstɪs
n. the quality of being fair and reasonable in treatment or judgment
n. the legal system or its administration
n. a judge or magistrate (archaic/title usage)
justice = just<fair, lawful> + ice<noun suffix>
- just: From Latin iustus (righteous, lawful), derived from ius (law, right).
- ice: A noun-forming suffix from Latin -itia or Old French -ice, indicating state or quality.
Etymology Origin:
The word "justice" traces back to Latin iustitia, combining iustus (fair) and the abstract noun suffix -itia. It entered English via Old French justice, retaining its core meaning of fairness and legal righteousness. The evolution reflects societal emphasis on equitable judgment, linking moral fairness (just) to institutionalized systems (-ice).
The court upheld justice by acquitting the innocent.
Social justice demands equal opportunities for all.
She dedicated her career to fighting for environmental justice.
In medieval times, the king’s justice was often swift and severe.
The protestors demanded justice for the victims of police brutality.