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

Frontline locations are particularly lawless places, where retribution from Russian forces can be swift and brutal.

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The group includes about 30 employees, according to one member who asked not to be identified out of fear of retribution.

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

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

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

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Related Words

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