First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
retribution
noun ret·ri·bu·tion \ˌre-trə-ˈbyü-shən\
: punishment for doing something wrong
Full 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
See retribution defined for English-language learners
See retribution defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Examples of RETRIBUTION
- 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
- [+]more
Origin of 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
Rhymes with RETRIBUTION
absolution, allocution, attribution, comminution, consecution, constitution, contribution, convolution, destitution, dissolution, distribution, elocution, evolution, execution, exsolution, institution, involution, persecution, prosecution, prostitution, resolution, restitution, revolution, Rosicrucian, substitution
RETRIBUTION Defined for Kids
retribution
noun ret·ri·bu·tion \ˌre-trə-ˈbyü-shən\
Definition of RETRIBUTION for Kids
: punishment 1
Learn More About RETRIBUTION
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: retributivePrevious Word in the Dictionary: retributeAll Words Near: retribution
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up retribution? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).