Definition

A form of punishment or compensation given in response to a wrong or injury, often seen as deserved or just.

Example

The criminal faced retribution for his actions in court.

Conversation

Did you hear about the guy who got fired for his mistakes?

Yeah, it seems like he faced some serious retribution for that.

I wonder if he saw it coming or if it was a shock to him.

Probably a shock; sometimes life really throws unexpected retribution at us.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Retribution → It is formed from "re-" (meaning again) and "tribuere" (meaning to assign or distribute). The word refers to the act of assigning or distributing a punishment or reward again, often in response to a previous action.

Memory Tip

Think of 'assigning' ('tribuere') something 'again' ('re-') — that's why retribution means a response or punishment for a previous action.

Visually Confused Words