Retribution
/ˌrɛtrɪˈbjuːʃən/
nounC1
Definition
Retribution is when someone receives punishment because of something bad they did. It is often seen as fair or just, meaning the punishment fits the mistake or crime. People use this word when talking about justice or getting even.
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See It in Action
Punishment given as a deserved response to a wrong action
- •The criminal faced retribution for his crimes in court.
- •Many believe retribution is necessary to keep society safe.
- •The idea of retribution is common in stories about justice.
Payback or revenge, especially when seen as fair or rightful
- •The hero sought retribution against those who hurt his family.
- •Retribution can sometimes lead to cycles of violence if not controlled.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "retribution" like "punishment" (A1 word), but with the idea that it is a fair or deserved payback, not just any punishment
- ✓Picture a balance scale where the bad action on one side is balanced by punishment on the other, making things equal again
- ✓It's the feeling when someone gets what they deserve after doing something wrong, like when a story’s villain faces consequences
- ✓Sounds like "re-TRIB-ution" → imagine a tribe (group) giving back (tribute) to someone who did wrong, paying them back fairly
- ✓Think of stories or movies where a hero seeks retribution for harm done to them or their family
- ✓NOT like "revenge" (which can be personal and emotional), retribution is more about fair justice from rules or law
- ✓NOT like "punishment" alone, because retribution focuses on the idea that the punishment fits the crime exactly
Try Other Words
- •Punishment: a penalty for doing something wrong (Use when talking about general consequences without focusing on fairness)
- •Revenge: getting back at someone personally (Use when the action is more emotional and personal than fair justice)
- •Justice: fairness in law or behavior (Use when emphasizing fairness and the legal system)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "re-" (back, again) + "tribut-" (from Latin "tribuere," meaning to give) + "-ion" (noun ending)
- •Etymology: From Latin "retributio," meaning a giving back or paying back
- •Historical development: Originally meant paying back or returning something, later used for punishment or justice
- •Modern usage: Used to describe deserved punishment or payback, often in legal or moral contexts
Reflect & Connect
•Can retribution ever be unfair? How do we decide what is a fair punishment?
•How does the idea of retribution affect how people think about justice and forgiveness?
Fill in the blanks
1.Retribution is often given because someone ___ a wrong action or crime.
2.People believe retribution should be ___ to keep fairness in society.
3.Unlike revenge, retribution is usually controlled by ___ or rules.
4.When the hero sought retribution, it meant they wanted ___ for the harm done.
5.Retribution can sometimes lead to a cycle of ___ if people keep paying back wrongs.
6.Courts aim to give retribution that ___ the crime committed.
7.Retribution usually comes after a decision by a ___ or authority.