2
: the dispensing or receiving of reward or punishment especially in the hereafter Did you know?With its prefix re-, meaning "back", retribution means literally "payback". And indeed we usually use it when talking about personal revenge, whether it's retribution for an insult in a high-school corridor or retribution for a guerrilla attack on a government building. But retribution isn't always so personal: God takes "divine retribution" on humans several times in the Old Testament, especially in the great Flood that wipes out almost the entire human race. And retribution for criminal acts, usually in the form of a prison sentence, is taken by the state, not the victims.
Examples of retribution in a Sentence Recent Examples on the Web Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback. This ruling affirms core constitutional freedoms all Americans hold dear, including free speech, due process, and the right to select counsel without the fear of retribution. —Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 3 May 2025 This agenda of retribution has defined the early days of the second Trump administration. —Tom Dreisbach, NPR, 29 Apr. 2025 And while vowing to prevent weaponization of government, Trump unleashed a wave of retribution that targeted not only perceived political enemies in both parties, but also critics in broader areas of American life like law firms, federal judges and the press. —Carl Leubsdorf, Mercury News, 29 Apr. 2025 The obvious reason why CEOs are more hesitant to go on the record is the fear of possible retribution from the Trump administration. —Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 21 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for retribution Word HistoryEtymology
Middle English retribucioun, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin retribution-, retributio, from Latin retribuere to pay back, from re- + tribuere to pay — more at tribute
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of retribution was in the 14th century Cite this Entry“Retribution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retribution. Accessed 10 May. 2025.
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