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Main definitions of retribute in English

: retribute¹ retribute²

retribute¹

Pronunciation /ˈrɛtrɪbjuːt/

adjective

rare

Only in "retribute justice": = "retributive justice".

Origin

Late 17th century; earliest use found in Francis Kirkman (1632–c1680), bookseller and writer. From classical Latin retribūtus, past participle of retribuere retribute.

Main definitions of retribute in English

: retribute¹ retribute²

retribute²

verb

rare

1To give (a thing) in return or as a repayment; to inflict (something) on a person in retaliation.
2To make appropriate return for; to repay; to recompense or avenge (an injury or offence); to reward (an action, good deed, etc.).
3To give something in return; to make an appropriate recompense or repayment; (of God) to deliver the appropriate punishment or reward for past deeds.

Pronunciation

retribute

/rɪˈtrɪbjuːt/ /ˈrɛtrɪbjuːt/

Origin

Late 16th century; earliest use found in Shepardes Kalendar. From classical Latin retribūt-, past participial stem of retribuere to hand back duly (money, or a reward or punishment) from re- + tribuere to give, assign, after retribution.