retribution Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a justly deserved penalty
    requital.
  2. noun the act of correcting for your wrongdoing
  3. noun the act of taking revenge (harming someone in retaliation for something harmful that they have done) especially in the next life; I will repay, saith the Lord"--Romans 12:19
    payback; vengeance.
    • Vengeance is mine
    • For vengeance I would do nothing. This nation is too great to look for mere revenge"--James Garfield
    • he swore vengeance on the man who betrayed him
    • the swiftness of divine retribution

WordNet

Ret`ri*bu"tion noun
Etymology
L. retributio: cf. F. rétribution.
Definitions
  1. The act of retributing; repayment.
    In good offices and due retributions, we may not be pinching and niggardly. Bp. Hall.
  2. That which is given in repayment or compensation; return suitable to the merits or deserts of, as an action; commonly, condign punishment for evil or wrong.
    All who have their reward on earth, . . . Naught seeking but the praise of men, here find Fit retribution, empty as their deeds. Milton.
  3. Specifically, reward and punishment, as distributed at the general judgment.
    It is a strong argument for a state of retribution hereafter, that in this world virtuous persons are very often unfortunate, and vicious persons prosperous. Addison.
    Syn. -- Repayment; requital; recompense; payment; retaliation.

Webster 1913