Main Entry: ret·ri·bu·tion

Pronunciation: \ˌre-trə-ˈbyü-shən\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English retribucioun, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin retribution-, retributio, from Latin retribuere to pay back, from re- + tribuere to pay — more at tribute

Date: 14th century

1 : recompense, reward
2 : the dispensing or receiving of reward or punishment especially in the hereafter
3 : something given or exacted in recompense; especially : punishment