Word
retribution
Phoneticsret·ri·bu·tion, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌɹɛtɹəbˈjuʃən/
UK/ɹˌɛtɹɪbjˈuːʃən/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. punishment that someone deserves for doing something very wrong or harmful.
n. punishment inflicted on someone as vengeance for a wrong or criminal act. Often carries a connotation of moral balance or divine justice.
Examples
“He feared retribution from the people he had cheated.”
“The legal system aims to provide justice rather than simple retribution for the victims' families.”
“The harsh economic sanctions were viewed by some as a necessary deterrent, while others saw them as a form of collective retribution against the civilian population.”
Examples
simple
“He feared retribution from the people he had cheated.”
contextual
“The legal system aims to provide justice rather than simple retribution for the victims' families.”
complex
“The harsh economic sanctions were viewed by some as a necessary deterrent, while others saw them as a form of collective retribution against the civilian population.”
Usage
Commonly paired with the preposition 'for' to indicate the crime, or 'against' to indicate the target.
Real-World Examples
“Davis sought retribution for Anderson and allegedly obtained a gun with the intent to “hunt down” Shakur and confront Knight.” “In his filing, Riach accused the government of presenting “wild conspiracy allegations … born from the fantasies of political retribution that animate the Trump Administration”.” Etymology
PIE word *tréyes From Latin retribuere (“repay”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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