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

"Staff are very worried and upset about everything happening surrounding vaccines," a CDC union member, who asked not to be named for fear of retribution, told AFP.

Read more on Barron's

One official who was involved and spoke on the condition of anonymity to avoid facing retribution said they were disgusted by the request’s “brazenness and the high-handed expectation of complicity.”

Read more on Salon

When thieves break into John Wick’s home, mayhem and retribution ensue.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

She requested The Times not share his name or her last name for fear of retribution.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Ajwad, 45, who is originally from Meknes and asked that his family name be withheld for fear of retribution, said some Sahrawis "don't want autonomy" under Morocco, because that would "impose restrictions" on their freedoms.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

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