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 …

They fled because they feared retribution for the genocide. She was asked whether a civilian government should seek retribution against military officers involved in human rights abuses. …

retribution (for something) severe punishment for something seriously wrong that somebody has done. People are seeking retribution for the latest terrorist outrages. Members of Parliament clearly feared retribution from their constituents. Political retribution will fall swiftly on any president who fails in that task.

1. requital according to merits or deserts, esp. for evil. 2. something given or inflicted in such requital. 3. Theol. the distribution of rewards and punishments in a future life. syn: See revenge. Random House Kernerman Webster's College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.

There are five meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun retribution, two of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence. How common is …

Retribution is punishment for a crime, especially punishment which is carried out by someone other than the official authorities. He didn't want any further involvement for fear of retribution. …

Definition of retribution noun in Oxford Advanced American Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

RETRIBUTION definition: punishment for something morally wrong that was done: . Learn more.

Retribution is the act of taking revenge. If you pull a prank on someone, expect retribution.

Retribution definition: Punishment administered in return for a wrong committed.