retribution

[re-truh-byoo-shuhn]

noun

1. requital according to merits or deserts, especially for evil.

   Synonyms: recompense, repayment, retaliation
   Antonyms: pardon

2. something given or inflicted in such requital.

   Synonyms: recompense, repayment, retaliation
   Antonyms: pardon

3. Theology.,  the distribution of rewards and punishments in a future life.

retribution

/ rɪˈtrɪbjʊtɪv, ˌrɛtrɪˈbjuːʃən /

noun

1. the act of punishing or taking vengeance for wrongdoing, sin, or injury

2. punishment or vengeance

Other Word Forms

• retributively adverb
• retributive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of retribution¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English retribucioun, from Middle French, from Late Latin retribūtiōn- (stem of retribūtiō ) “punishment, reward as result of judgment,” equivalent to Latin retribūt(us) (past participle of retribuere “to restore, give back”; re-, tribute ) + -iōn- -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of retribution¹

C14: via Old French from Church Latin retribūtiō , from Latin retribuere to repay, from _re- + tribuere to pay; see _tribute

Synonym Study

See revenge.

Example Sentences

Aside from his choice to seek retribution instead of venturing forgiveness, Robbie’s also decent.

From Salon

In response, three fired agents are suing Patel for what they call a political retribution campaign.

From Salon

It is also the fear of violent retribution, of being killed in the street, since the plan requires Hamas to completely disarm.

From BBC

"I am so scared that if he walks free, his first actions will be swift retribution towards me and others who spoke up," wrote Ms Ventura.

From BBC

“As he has said many times, he hates his enemies; he is the retribution. Has he announced any rescission of any projects in Florida or Texas?”

From Salon

Related Words

• comeuppance 
• compensation 
• punishment 
• reckoning 
• redress 
• reprisal 
• retaliation 
• revenge 
• vengeance