retribution /ˌɹɛt.ɹɪˈbju.ʃən/ noun1 •Punishment inflicted in the spirit of moral outrage or personal vengeance.Whereas retribution focuses on the offender's wrong, retaliation focuses on the impulse of the victim (or of those who sympathize with him) to strike back at the offender. — 1983 formsretributions