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Retribution: meaning, definitions and examples

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retribution

 

[ ˌrɛtrɪˈbjuːʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

criminal justice

Retribution is the act of punishing someone because they have done something very bad.

Synonyms

punishment, revenge, vengeance

Examples of usage

  • The judge argued that the main aim of the punishment should be retribution.
  • The victim's family sought retribution for the heinous crime.
Context #2 | Noun

general

Retribution is a punishment or something unpleasant that happens to someone because of what they have done.

Synonyms

comeuppance, payback, recompense

Examples of usage

  • The accident was seen as retribution for his reckless driving.
  • The economic crisis was viewed as retribution for the government's mishandling of funds.

Translations

Translations of the word "retribution" in other languages:

🇵🇹 retribuição

🇮🇳 प्रतिकार

🇩🇪 Vergeltung

🇮🇩 pembalasan

🇺🇦 відплата

🇵🇱 odwet

🇯🇵 報復 (ほうふく)

🇫🇷 rétribution

🇪🇸 retribución

🇹🇷 misilleme

🇰🇷 보복 (報復)

🇸🇦 انتقام

🇨🇿 odplata

🇸🇰 odplata

🇨🇳 报应 (bàoyìng)

🇸🇮 povračilo

🇮🇸 endurhefnd

🇰🇿 жаза

🇬🇪 შურისძიება

🇦🇿 intiqam

🇲🇽 retribución

Etymology

The word 'retribution' originated from the Latin word 'retributio' which means 'repayment' or 'reward'. It has been used in English since the late 14th century to refer to the act of punishing someone for their wrongdoing. The concept of retribution has been a fundamental aspect of justice systems throughout history, aiming to restore balance and order through the imposition of penalties for crimes committed.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,250, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.