retribution

noun

ret·​ri·​bu·​tion ˌre-trə-ˈbyü-shən How to pronounce retribution (audio)
Synonyms of retributionnext
1
: recompense, reward
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.

Synonyms

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There are two types of retribution these agents are concerned about. —CBS News, 9 Feb. 2025 The source requested anonymity out of fear of retribution. —Laurel Wamsley, NPR, 8 Feb. 2025 But when the associate failed to repay the drug debt, the suppliers turned their focus on Resto, seeking retribution for the unpaid money, prosecutors charge. —Elizabeth Keogh, New York Daily News, 7 Feb. 2025 The worker, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retribution, wants to take the money and move overseas. —Chris Megerian, TIME, 6 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for retribution 

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

Phrases Containing retribution

Dictionary Entries Near retribution

retribute

retribution

retributive

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Retribution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retribution. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.

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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

Nglish: Translation of retribution for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of retribution for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about retribution

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