noun · formal
retribution
UK/ˌrɛtrɪˈbjuːʃ(ə)n/US/ˌrɛtrɪˈbjuːʃən/re·tri·BU·tion
punishment inflicted as vengeance for a wrong; the idea of making offenders 'pay' for crimes
Examples
“Some victims demand retribution rather than rehabilitation.”
“Philosophers debate whether retribution is a fair aim of sentencing.”
“Retribution as the sole justification for punishment is contested in modern penology.”
Band 8 sentence
“While retribution satisfies a public desire for justice, restorative approaches may reduce recidivism more effectively.”
Collocations
- demand retribution
- seek retribution
- retributive justice
Word family
Common mistakes
seek revenge→seek retribution
demand punishment as retribution→demand retribution
Say it for a higher band
5punishment→6revenge→7+retribution
Synonyms
punishment
Easily confused
revenge
“The community called for retribution after the high-profile fraud case.”
Related words
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