noun
retribution
reht-rih-BYOO-shuhn
noun
1
Punishment given out of a sense of justice or revenge for a wrong that was done.
"He swore retribution against those who had betrayed him."
"The attack was seen as retribution for years of oppression."
How to Use Retribution
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishPunishment or payback delivered as justice or revenge.
Common mistake
Retribution is punishment-focused revenge; "restitution" is about repaying or compensating for a loss — don't mix the two up.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
seek retribution
swift retribution
fear of retribution
Word Forms
retributions plural
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He swore _____ against those who had betrayed him.
Etymology
From Latin retribuere, "to repay."