Retributing

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. The act of compensating for an action, typically in the form of punishment or reward
2. To deliver justice or consequences for actions taken, either in reparation or reprisal
3. The process of providing a response, which can be positive or negative, to previous behavior or events

Etymology: "Retributing" is the present participle of "retribute", a verb that came into English from Latin "retribuere", meaning "to pay back" or "to restore". The Latin verb combines "re-", meaning "back" or "again", with "tribuere", "to bestow, assign, or pay", the same root that gave English "tribute". The original sense was one of return and repayment: giving back what was owed to someone. The English verb has kept that core of rendering what is due. A "tribute" in its older sense was a payment, a contribution exacted or offered, and "retribute" carries that idea of paying out what is owed. Over time the sense narrowed toward justice in both directions, so the word can describe a fair reward or a fitting punishment, depending on what the actions deserved.

Synonyms: punishing, avenging, retaliating, repaying, recompensing

Antonyms: forgiving, pardon, excusing, absolving, overlooking