also: めいばつ
divine punishment; retribution
Refers to punishment inflicted by a divine or supernatural power for wrongdoing; often used in religious or moral contexts.
Divine punishment will eventually befall those who commit evil deeds.
Standard kanji form; the reading みょうばつ is more common than めいばつ.
Alternate reading; less common but still encountered.
Composed of 冥 (dark, underworld) and 罰 (punishment). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the compound conveys the idea of punishment from the unseen or spiritual realm.