- retribution (n.)
- late 14c., "repayment," from Latin retributionem (nominative retributio) "recompense, repayment," from retributus, past participle of retribuere "hand back, repay," from re- "back" (see re-) + tribuere "to assign, allot" (see tribute). Sense of "evil given for evil done" is from day of retribution (1520s) in Christian theology, the time of divine reward or punishment.