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Definition of retribution

retribution

/ˌrɛtrɪˈbjuːʃən/
ret · ri · bu · tion
Adverb:retributively
•
Plural:retributions
•
Adjective:retributive
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retribution Lexical Profile

retribution Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Punishment inflicted on someone as vengeance or just desert for a wrong or criminal act.

Example

"The ancient legal code demanded strict retribution for any crime committed against the community."

2

In theology, divine punishment or reward distributed in a future life based on a person's moral conduct on earth.

Example

"Many early theological treatises explored the concept of divine retribution in the afterlife."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for retribution
Antonyms
View all antonyms for retribution

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse with 'restitution', which means compensating a victim or restoring something lost; 'retribution' specifically refers to inflicting deserved punishment for a wrongdoing.

• Rhymes for retribution

• Nearby Words

retreat
retrenchment
retrial
retribution
retrievability
retrievable
retrieval

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in Middle English via Old French from Late Latin 'retributio', meaning 'recompense' or 'repayment', derived from the verb 'retribuere' ('to pay back'), from 're-' ('back') and 'tribuere' ('to assign, grant, or pay').

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Retribution. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/retribution
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