Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Retribution
Retˊri-bu′tion
,Noun.
[L.
retributio
: cf. F. rétribution
.] 1.
The act of retributing; repayment.
In good offices and due
retributions
, we may not be pinching and niggardly. Bp. Hall.
2.
That which is given in repayment or compensation; return suitable to the merits or deserts of, as an action; commonly, condign punishment for evil or wrong.
All who have their reward on earth, . . .
Naught seeking but the praise of men, here find
Fit
Naught seeking but the praise of men, here find
Fit
retribution
, empty as their deeds. Milton.
3.
Specifically, reward and punishment, as distributed at the general judgment.
It is a strong argument for a state of
retribution
hereafter, that in this world virtuous persons are very often unfortunate, and vicious persons prosperous. Addison.
Syn. – Repayment; requital; recompense; payment; retaliation.
Webster 1828 Edition
Retribution
RETRIBU'TION
, n.1.
Repayment; return accommodated to the action; reward; compensation.In good offices and due retributions, we may not be pinching and niggardly.
2.
A gratuity or present given for services in the place of a salary.3.
The distribution of rewards and punishments at the general judgment.It is a strong argument for a state of retribution hereafter, that in this world virtuous persons are very often unfortunate, and vicious persons prosperous.
Definition 2024
retribution
retribution
See also: rétribution
English
Noun
retribution (countable and uncountable, plural retributions)
- Punishment inflicted in the spirit of moral outrage or personal vengeance.
- 1983, Richard A. Posner, The economics of justicem p.208:
- Whereas retribution focuses on the offender's wrong, retaliation focuses on the impulse of the victim (or of those who sympathize with him) to strike back at the offender.
- 1999, Barbara Hanawalt, Medieval crime and social control, p.73:
- 1. Revenge is for an injury; retribution is for a wrong.
- 2. Retribution sets an internal limit to the amount of the punishment according to the seriousness of the wrong; revenge need not.
- 3. Revenge is personal; the agent of retribution need have no special or personal tie to the victim of the wrong for which he exacts retribution.
- 4. Revenge involves a particular emotional tone, pleasure in the suffering of another, while retribution need involve no emotional tone.
- 1983, Richard A. Posner, The economics of justicem p.208:
Synonyms
- See also Wikisaurus:revenge
Hypernyms
Translations
punishment inflicted in the spirit of moral outrage or personal vengeance
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