noun
retribution; just deserts; karma
Refers to the concept that good or bad deeds will eventually bring corresponding consequences, often with a moral or cosmic sense. Commonly used in phrases like 因果応報 (cause and effect; retribution).
悪いことをすると、いつか応報がある。
If you do bad things, retribution will come someday.
彼の成功は努力の応報だ。
His success is the just reward for his efforts.
From Middle Chinese 應報 (retribution). The kanji 応 means 'respond' and 報 means 'repay', together conveying the idea of receiving a response or repayment for one's actions.