retortion

[ ri-tawr-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act of turning or bending back.
2. retaliation.
3. International Law. retorsion.

retortion

/ rɪˈtɔːʃən /

noun

1. the act of retorting
2. a variant spelling of retorsion

Word History and Origins

Origin of retortion¹

1585–95; < Medieval Latin retortiōn- (stem of retortiō ), equivalent to Latin retort ( us ) ( retort ¹ ) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

With what face can I pray, “Lord, forgive me my sins,” when I may meet with such a retortion, thou canst not forgive thy brethren's sins, infinitely less both in number and degree?

From Project Gutenberg

There were, besides, the wish to be prepared for war by the home production of war material, and also the spirit of commercial retortion, paying back in her own coin England's burdensome tax upon our exports to her shores.

From Project Gutenberg

As to his Familiarity with Sir Thomas More, there are several Stories related, and especially one concerning the Disputes that had been between them about Transubstantiation, or the real Presence of Christ in the consecrated Wafer, of which Sir Thomas was a strenuous Maintainer, and Erasmus an Opponent; of which, when Erasmus saw he was too strongly byassed to be convinced by Arguments, he at last made use of the following facetious Retortion on him.

From Project Gutenberg

This act of New Jersey is called an act of retortion against the illegal and oppressive legislation of New York; and seems to be defended on those grounds of public law which justify reprisals between independent States.

From Project Gutenberg