ˌre.trəˈbyüshən noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English retribucioun, from Middle French retribution, from Late Latin retribution-, retributio, from Latin retributus (past participle of retribuere to retribute, from re- + tribuere to bestow) + -ion-, -io -ion — more at tribute
1. : recompense , return , reward
denied just retribution for their services
2. : the dispensing or receiving of reward or punishment according to the deserts of the individual especially in the hereafter
interpret justice in terms of retribution — Lucius Garvin
by a whimsical retribution , his own novels have passed for pantomimes — Richard Garnett †1906
specifically : last judgment
the day of retribution
3.
a. : something given or exacted in recompense
b. : punishment
a visitation of divine retribution in the form of elemental phenomena — American Guide Series: Texas
knew the retribution in store for them if they misbehaved — Time
especially : condign punishment in the hereafter