Words / C1

retr-i-BYOOSHUN/ˌretrɪˈbjuːʃn/

Retribution is severe punishment believed to be deserved in return for a wrong: retribution for a tone, seek retribution. Revenge (already in the dictionary) is the close twin; a leak is still a breach.

Meaning

Severe punishment that is believed to be deserved (from revenge, already in the dictionary).

Examples

• “A leaked n is not retribution for a disliked tone; it is a breach.”
• “Revenge is already in this course. Punishment is already in this course. Payback is a slogan. An embargo line is a file. Keep the embargo; then keep the tone if the clause still sits on a fact.”

Good to know

Deserved punishment in return. Close: revenge (already in the dictionary). Payback ≠ a lawful file.

Near in meaning

revenge, vengeance, punishment

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