retribution; divine punishment
悪行には冥罰が下ると信じられていた。
It was believed that divine retribution falls upon evil deeds.
冥罰を恐れて悪事を思いとどまった。
Fearing divine punishment, he refrained from wrongdoing.
冥罰覿面という言葉が人々を戒めた。
The saying 'swift divine retribution' served as a warning to the people.