fear of retribution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fear of retribution" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a feeling of dread or apprehension that someone will be punished or suffer negative consequences for some action. For example: "Their fear of retribution kept them from pursuing legal action against their former employer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Fear of retribution remained pervasive.

The New York Times

(He didn't want his name used for fear of retribution).

The New York Times

They declined to give their names for fear of retribution.

The Washington Post

Now, fear of retribution is the main currency.

The Guardian

Fear of retribution keeps most grieving families from speaking publicly.

The New Yorker

No one disrespects you anymore without fear of retribution.

The New York Times - Magazine

He, like many interviewed would give only first names, out of fear of retribution.

The New York Times

Like others interviewed, he would not give his full name for fear of retribution.

The New York Times

He declined to give his name for fear of retribution from his peers.

The New York Times

For years, lawyers tolerated the behavior for fear of retribution against their clients, several lawyers said.

The New York Times

A number of individuals declined to be interviewed on the record for fear of retribution.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about sensitive topics or whistleblowing scenarios, using the phrase "fear of retribution" can accurately convey the potential risks and anxieties involved. Ensure the context clearly establishes who or what is the source of the feared retribution.

Common error

While related, retribution implies a more formal or systemic punishment, whereas revenge suggests a personal act of retaliation. Use "fear of retribution" when the concern is about facing formal penalties or consequences, not just personal vendettas.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fear of retribution" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence, describing a state of apprehension or dread. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

19%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fear of retribution" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe apprehension about potential negative consequences, often in situations involving reporting misconduct or challenging authority. Ludwig AI confirms its wide acceptability. While closely related to "fear of retaliation", "retribution" often implies a more formal or institutionalized form of punishment. When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly establishes the source of the feared retribution. Related phrases such as "dread of retaliation" or "worry about consequences" can offer alternative ways to express this concept, but it's crucial to select the phrase that best aligns with the specific nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dread of retaliation

Uses "dread" to highlight the intense fear and "retaliation" as the action feared.

terror of reprisal

Employs "terror" to amplify the level of fear and "reprisal" to denote a retaliatory act.

anxiety over punishment

Replaces "retribution" with "punishment", specifying the feared outcome.

apprehension of revenge

Replaces "retribution" with "revenge", emphasizing the personal aspect of retaliation.

concern about reprisal

Uses "concern" to soften the intensity while keeping "reprisal" to mean retaliation.

worry about consequences

Shifts focus to the broader "consequences" rather than specific retribution.

intimidation by threat of revenge

Highlights the "intimidation" caused by a "threat of revenge".

risk of reprisal

Highlights the risk or danger of retaliation.

threat of reprisal

Focuses only on the threat that generates fear.

potential for retaliation

Emphasizes the possibility of retaliation occurring.

FAQs

How can I use "fear of retribution" in a sentence?

You can use "fear of retribution" to describe situations where someone is hesitant to act due to potential negative consequences. For example, "Witnesses were reluctant to testify due to their "fear of retribution" from the gang members".

What's a less formal way to say "fear of retribution"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "afraid of getting back at", "worried about payback", or "scared of the consequences" to convey a similar meaning in a less formal way. However, be mindful that these alternatives might lack the gravitas of "fear of retribution".

Is there a difference between "fear of retaliation" and "fear of retribution"?

While very similar, "retribution" often implies a more formal or institutionalized punishment, whereas "fear of retaliation" can refer to any act of revenge, whether formal or informal. Choose the word that best fits the specific context of the sentence.

What causes "fear of retribution" in the workplace?

In the workplace, "fear of retribution" can stem from reporting misconduct, raising concerns about safety, or challenging management decisions. Employees may worry about demotion, job loss, or other forms of retaliation.