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retribution
retribution definition
ret·ri·bu·tion (re′trə byo̵̅o̅′s̸hən)
noun
punishment for evil done or reward for good done; requital
Etymology: ME retribucioun < OFr retribution < LL(Ec) retributio < L retributus, pp. of retribuere, to repay < re-, back + tribuere, to pay: see tribute
Related Forms:
- retributive re·trib′u·tive (ri trib′yo̵o tiv) adjective or retributory re·trib′u·to′ry (-tôr′ē)
- retributively re·trib′u·tively adverb
Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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