English vocabulary · C2
Retribution
/ˌretrɪˈbjuːʃn/ · n.
Retribution is pain someone faces for a serious wrong. They must suffer because of what they did to other people.
Watch the Retribution lessonContinue in the learning app for video lessons and review.
Example sentences
- The thief feared retribution in jail.
- They burned his farm in retribution.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- re — back (from Latin)
- tribut — give (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- PUNISHMENT — suffering for a wrong (A cost for doing wrong)
- REVENGE — harm returned for harm (Someone hurts you back)
- VENGEANCE — harsh revenge for a wrong (A strong need for revenge)
Words with the same root
tribut — give
- contribute — give a share
- distribute — give to many
- attribute — give credit to
Lesson notes
Retribution is pain someone faces for a serious wrong. They must suffer because of what they did to other people.
Related: punishment, revenge, vengeance. Use retribution when a wrong brings suffering.
The thief feared retribution in jail. They burned his farm in retribution.
From Latin. Re- means back. Tribut- means give. Give pain back for pain: retribution.