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retribution

noun
ret·​ri·​bu·​tion | \ ËŒre-trÉ™-ˈbyü-shÉ™n How to pronounce retribution (audio) \

Definition of retribution

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
Synonyms Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about retribution

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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
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Recent Examples on the Web

 And later in 2014, a man angry about the Garner and Brown cases shot two New York City police officers to death in their cruiser in retribution. — Author: Tom Hays, Michael R. Sisak, Anchorage Daily News, "NYPD fires officer for 2014 chokehold death of Eric Garner," 19 Aug. 2019 And later in 2014, a man angry about the Garner and Brown cases shot two New York City police officers to death in their cruiser in retribution. — Michael R. Sisak, Fortune, "Why NYPD Fired Officer 5 Years After Eric Garner’s Chokehold Death," 19 Aug. 2019 In academic, social, and professional settings alike, conservatives feel hesitant to express their beliefs for fear of retribution. — Christopher Tremoglie, National Review, "Conservatives Need Courage," 12 Aug. 2019 Others avoid speaking openly about their views for fear of retribution. — Sam Tabachnik, The Denver Post, "Durango residents divided as beloved coal-fired train faces lawsuits over its role in the 416 fire," 7 July 2019 Police have not said if the motive in last Thursday's shooting was retribution. — Cameron Knight, Cincinnati.com, "Police: Convicted killer gunned down by his victim's brother," 19 June 2019 Kramer contended then that the reporting was retribution for an assessment increase on property this news organization owned in Walnut Creek at the time. — Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, "Grand jury seeks Assessor Gus Kramer’s removal from office for alleged misconduct," 5 June 2019 Hof, a legal pimp challenging an incumbent Republican lawmaker Tuesday, June 12, says a push to ban legal brothels is political retribution. — chicagotribune.com, "Brothel bans weighed in Nevada as legal pimp runs for office," 11 June 2018 An ex-enforcer for a crime syndicate has vowed to enact retribution on his mob bosses after 22 years of wrongful imprisonment. — Detroit Free Press, "New movies: 'Hobbs & Shaw'," 1 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'retribution.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of retribution

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for retribution

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

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More Definitions for retribution

retribution

noun
How to pronounce retribution (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of retribution

formal : punishment for doing something wrong

See the full definition for retribution in the English Language Learners Dictionary

retribution

noun
ret·​ri·​bu·​tion | \ ËŒre-trÉ™-ˈbyü-shÉ™n How to pronounce retribution (audio) \

Kids Definition of retribution

: punishment sense 1

retribution

noun
ret·​ri·​bu·​tion | \ ËŒre-trÉ™-ˈbyü-shÉ™n How to pronounce retribution (audio) \

Legal Definition of retribution

: punishment imposed (as on a convicted criminal) for purposes of repayment or revenge for the wrong committed

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More from Merriam-Webster on retribution

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with retribution

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for retribution

Spanish Central: Translation of 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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