retribution Hear it!

retribution Definition

ret·ri·bu·tion (re′trə byo̵̅o̅s̸hən)

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

re·tribu·tive (ri tribyo̵o tiv) adjective or re·tribu·to′ry-tôr′ē re·tribu·tively adverb

retribution Synonyms

retribution

n.

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

  1. retrial
  2. retrenchment
  3. retrench
  4. retreat (duty to), rule
  5. retreat
  6. retreading
  7. retread
  8. retral
  9. retractor
  10. retraction
  1. retrieval
  2. retrieve
  3. retriever
  4. retro
  5. retro-
  6. retroact
  7. retroaction
  8. retroactive
  9. retroactive law
  10. retrocede