Retribution, n.
Etymology: [L. retributio: cf. F. rétribution.]
1. The act of retributing; repayment. In good offices and due retributions, we may not be pinching and niggardly. Bp. Hall.
2. That which is given in repayment or compensation; return suitable to the merits or deserts of, as an action; commonly, condign punishment for evil or wrong. All who have their reward on earth, . . . Naught seeking but the praise of men, here find Fit retribution, empty as their deeds. Milton.
3. Specifically, reward and punishment, as distributed at the general judgment. It is a strong argument for a state of retribution hereafter, that in this world virtuous persons are very often unfortunate, and vicious persons prosperous. Addison.
Syn. -- Repayment; requital; recompense; payment; retaliation.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for retribution; he lists it under revenge.
Where he writes about it:
Avenging and retribution give a solemn sense of exact justice, avenging being more personal in its infliction, whether by God or man, and retribution the impersonal visitation of the doom of righteous law. — from revenge