/ˌretrɪˈbjuːʃn/
ret·ri·bu·tion
BrE /ˌretrɪˈbjuːʃn/
NAmE /ˌretrɪˈbjuːʃn/
[U]
~ (for sth)
(formal)
severe punishment for sth seriously wrong that sb has done
People are seeking retribution for the latest terrorist outrages.
fear of divine retribution (= punishment from God)
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re·tribu·tive
BrE /rɪˈtrɪbjətɪv/
NAmE /rɪˈtrɪbjətɪv/
[usually before noun]
retributive justice