1. goddess of punishment and revenge (Greek Mythology); tragedy written by Alfred Nobel. vengeful opponent; punishment. nemesisneme*sis , n. [l., fr. gr. , orig., distribution, fr. to distribute. see: nomad.] (class. myth.) the goddess of retribution or vengeance; hence, retributive justice personified; divine vengeance. this is that ancient doctrine of nemesis who keeps watch in the universe, and lets no offense go unchastised