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
- retrial
retribution Related Forms
retribution Synonyms
retribution Usage Examples
Converse of object
- seek: The stunt was met by a group of hackers seeking retribution.
- exact: Paterson exacts retribution in the form of a straight kick between the posts.
- escape: Has he changed his nature and found a new life, and if so, will he escape retribution?
- fear: I feared retribution from other male students in Suzanne's tow.
- suffer: Will Henry IV, his children, or England itself suffer retribution?
- bring: A general outbreak of rebellion would bring retribution on the whole nation by the Romans.
Adjective modifier
- karmic: This, obviously, is karmic retribution for the self-satisfied way I showed off my new phone to friends at the weekend.
- divine: Finally, what is perhaps the most important difference is the doctrine of divine retribution.
- violent: Also, the longer their sentences the less excuse later on for violent retribution from high-minded members of the public.
- exact: You'll find everything you need to exact merciless retribution upon anyone in the pages of this handy, illustrated book.
- terrible: Or has he somehow faked his own death in order to avoid some terrible retribution?
- immediate: Anybody who tries to cheat them, steal from them or spy on them can expect immediate retribution.
Modifies a noun
- theory: It turns out we can also have a retribution theory of guilt.
- attack: I ended up with a pick-axe handle around my ribs two years ago in a retribution attack.
- theology: Qoheleth is, at minimum, a negative commentary on traditional wisdom, as influenced by retribution theology 9.
Noun used with modifier
government: The broadcast media and portions of the print media continued to practice a great degree of self-censorship in order to avoid provoking government retribution.
Preposition: in
shape: Anyone found supporting the Dalai Lama can expect instant and harsh retribution in the shape of a lengthy spell in jail or worse.
Preposition: for
sin: Some are benign but others, whom she sees as bringing retribution for sins committed in past incarnations, compel her into danger.
Preposition: upon
anyone: You'll find everything you need to exact merciless retribution upon anyone in the pages of this handy, illustrated book.
Browse dictionary entries near retribution
- ‹ retrial
- ‹ retrenchment
- ‹ retrench
- ‹ retreat (duty to), rule
- ‹ retreat
- ‹ retreading
- ‹ retread
- ‹ retral
- ‹ retractor
- ‹ retraction
- retrieval ›
- retrieve ›
- retriever ›
- retro ›
- retro- ›
- retroact ›
- retroaction ›
- retroactive ›
- retroactive law ›
- retrocede ›

