retribution
n. uncountable C1 Advanced US //ˌɹɛtɹəbˈjuʃən// UK //ɹˌɛtɹɪbjˈuːʃən// ret·ri·bu·tion
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.
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.
PIE word *tréyes From Latin retribuere (“repay”).
Usage
Commonly paired with the preposition 'for' to indicate the crime, or 'against' to indicate the target.