Retribution is spelled /rɛtrəˈbjuʃən/. The first syllable is pronounced with the short e sound, as in "red". The second syllable is pronounced with the schwa sound, as in the first syllable of "about". The third syllable is pronounced with the long u sound, as in "juice". The fourth syllable is pronounced with the sh sound, as in "shoe". The last syllable is pronounced with the schwa sound again. Retribution is a noun that refers to punishment that is intended to be equivalent to the offense committed.
Retribution is a noun that refers to the act of punishment or recompense for wrongdoing, usually carried out by an authority or system of justice. It involves the concept of payback or retaliation for an offense or harm committed against someone or society.
In legal terms, retribution serves as a form of justice in response to a crime, seeking to restore equilibrium and uphold the principles of fairness and deterrence. It is often administered by the judicial system through the imposition of penalties such as fines, imprisonment, or capital punishment, depending on the severity of the offense.
However, retribution is not confined solely to the legal realm. It can also be seen in personal or informal contexts, where individuals may seek to right a wrong themselves, out of a sense of vendetta or vindication. This personal form of retribution may involve confronting or harming the person who committed the offense, to avenge the victim.
The concept of retribution is rooted in the notion that actions have consequences, and by imposing punishment, wrongdoers are held accountable for their actions and society is protected from further harm. Proponents argue that it deters future wrongdoing and maintains social order, ensuring that the punishment fits the crime.
However, the concept of retribution is not without controversy, as critics argue that it perpetuates a cycle of violence and may not necessarily lead to rehabilitation or societal healing. Nonetheless, retribution remains an integral part of many legal systems and is deeply ingrained in human notions of justice and fairness.
Requital; retaliation; reward or punishment suitable to the action; the rewards or punishment of the final judgment.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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The word retribution derives from the Latin word retributio, which is a noun form of the verb retribuere. In Latin, re- means back, and tribuere means to assign or to grant. Therefore, retributio can be understood as a giving back, a repayment, or a restored allocation. The term was later adopted into Middle English as retribucioun and eventually evolved into its current form, retribution.