retribution

[ re-truh-byoo-shuhn ]

noun

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

   Synonyms: repayment, recompense, retaliation

   Antonyms: pardon

2. something given or inflicted in such requital.

   Synonyms: repayment, recompense, 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

Derived Forms

• reˈtributively, 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

Some may be under the mistaken impression that if they curry favor now, maybe they will be spared retribution under a Trump presidency.

From Salon

During the campaign, Trump promised retribution for the numerous investigations launched against him.

From BBC

Trump spoke extensively about such retribution on the campaign trail.

From Los Angeles Times

The reckoning that needed to happen by the media in its normalizing of this man will now be replaced by the effort to hang on for dear life as the retribution begins.

From Salon

At the top of the list: closing the U.S. border with Mexico, mass deportations, increased oil and gas production, and retribution against his political opponents.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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