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Retribution Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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retribution

[ˌrɛtrɪˈbjuːʃən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

criminal justice

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

Synonyms

punishment, revenge, vengeance.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
retribution

This word is typically used to describe a form of deserved punishment or repayment for wrongdoing, often in a moral or just context.

  • The community sought retribution for the crimes committed against them
revenge

Revenge implies a personal, often emotional, retaliation against someone who has caused harm. It carries a negative connotation.

  • She wanted revenge for the betrayal she experienced
vengeance

Vengeance is similar to revenge but often carries a sense of moral justification or a pursuit of justice. It can have a dramatic and intense tone.

  • He swore to take vengeance on those who wronged his family
punishment

This term is used in a broad range of contexts, from legal to everyday discipline, referring to a penalty for breaking rules or laws.

  • The judge decided the punishment for the convicted criminal

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
retribution

Used to describe a punishment that is seen as morally right and fully deserved. It often has a serious and formal tone.

  • The criminal faced retribution for his heinous crimes.
  • She believed that retribution would inevitably follow his dishonesty.
payback

Used in everyday situations to refer to getting even or revenge, often implying a personal motive. It is also used positively to refer to a return on an investment.

  • She considered it payback for all the times he treated her poorly.
  • He invested wisely and enjoyed significant financial payback.
comeuppance

Informal and often used to describe a deserved punishment or misfortune that befalls someone, usually carrying a sense of satisfaction or poetic justice.

  • After years of cheating others, he finally got his comeuppance.
  • It felt like sweet comeuppance when the bully was punished.
recompense

Formal and used in contexts where compensation or reward is given for a loss, injury, or effort.

  • The company offered recompense for the damages caused.
  • They received recompense for their hard work on the project.

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

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Philosophy

  • Retribution is a key concept in theories of justice, especially in debates about moral responsibility.
  • Kantian ethics emphasizes retribution as a form of justice where punishment must fit the crime.
  • Philosophers like Hegel discussed retribution as a necessary element in the pursuit of justice and moral order.

Law

  • Many legal systems incorporate retribution as a way of delivering justice, often through criminal law.
  • Retributive justice focuses on punishment as a response to wrongdoing, differing from restorative justice, which seeks to repair harm.
  • Some contemporary debates question the effectiveness of retribution in reducing crime rates.

Literature

  • Retribution often serves as a central theme in classic literature, where characters face consequences for their actions.
  • In Shakespeare's plays, characters often experience retributive justice, illustrating moral lessons.
  • Modern novels explore the complexities of retribution, highlighting its ethical dilemmas and personal conflicts.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In many cultures, the concept of retribution is intertwined with beliefs in karma, where one's actions directly influence their fate.
  • Folktales in various societies often depict tales of vengeance and retribution, warning against immoral behavior.
  • The idea of 'an eye for an eye' is a historical principle linked to retribution, promoting the notion of equivalent retaliation.

Origin of 'retribution'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Latin 'retributio', meaning 'to pay back'.
  • Its root, 'tribuere', means 'to assign' or 'to distribute', reflecting the idea of giving back.
  • The concept has been in use since the late 14th century in English literature.

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.