retribution

noun

ret·​ri·​bu·​tion ˌre-trə-ˈbyü-shən How to pronounce retribution (audio)
1
2
: the dispensing or receiving of reward or punishment especially in the hereafter
3
: something given or exacted in recompense
especially : punishment

Did you know?

With its prefix re-, meaning "back", retribution means literally "payback". And indeed we usually use it when talking about personal revenge, whether it's retribution for an insult in a high-school corridor or retribution for a guerrilla attack on a government building. But retribution isn't always so personal: God takes "divine retribution" on humans several times in the Old Testament, especially in the great Flood that wipes out almost the entire human race. And retribution for criminal acts, usually in the form of a prison sentence, is taken by the state, not the victims.

Examples of retribution in a Sentence

The elastic-faced Ruck is a real find: his Cameron is a guilt-ridden, father-dominated nerd almost paralyzed with fear of parental retribution. David Ansen, Newsweek, 16 June 1986
The two purposes that sustain the death penalty … in the Court's view are general deterrence and retribution. Thurgood Marshall, Gregg v. Georgia, 1976
" … As for Cordelia, she went insane with remorse and was shut up in a lunatic asylum. I thought that was a poetical retribution for her crime." Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables, 1908
The killer acted without fear of retribution. the neighborhood is being torn apart by an endless cycle of gang violence and retribution
Recent Examples on the Web Anna, who asked to be identified only by her first name for fear of retribution, said participating in the poll only helps the Kremlin’s narrative that Russia is a democracy. Anna Chernova, CNN, 14 Mar. 2024 One Moscow businessman, speaking on the condition of anonymity for fear of retribution, said many influential Russians are concerned about the arrest of two associates of Andrey Kostin, the head of VTB, Russia’s second-biggest state bank. Catherine Belton, Washington Post, 14 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for retribution 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'retribution.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English retribucioun, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin retribution-, retributio, from Latin retribuere to pay back, from re- + tribuere to pay — more at tribute

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of retribution was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near retribution

Cite this Entry

“Retribution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retribution. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

retribution

noun
ret·​ri·​bu·​tion ˌre-trə-ˈbyü-shən How to pronounce retribution (audio)
: something given in payment for a wrong : punishment

Legal Definition

retribution

noun
ret·​ri·​bu·​tion ˌre-trə-ˈbyü-shən How to pronounce retribution (audio)
: punishment imposed (as on a convicted criminal) for purposes of repayment or revenge for the wrong committed

More from Merriam-Webster on retribution

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