reciprocate

[ ri-sip-ruh-keyt ]

verb (used with object)

, re·cip·ro·cat·ed, re·cip·ro·cat·ing.

1. to give, feel, etc., in return.

   Synonyms: retaliate, respond, return

2. to give and receive reciprocally; interchange:

   to reciprocate favors.

3. to cause to move alternately backward and forward.

verb (used without object)

, re·cip·ro·cat·ed, re·cip·ro·cat·ing.

1. to make a return, as for something given.
2. to make interchange.
3. to be correspondent.
4. to move alternately backward and forward.

reciprocate

/ rɪˈsɪprəˌkeɪt /

verb

1. to give or feel in return
2. to move or cause to move backwards and forwards
3. intr to be correspondent or equivalent

Derived Forms

• reˈciprocative, adjective
• reˈciproˌcator, noun
• reˌciproˈcation, noun

Other Words From

• re·cip·ro·ca·tive re·cip·ro·ca·to·ry [ri-, sip, -r, uh, -k, uh, -tawr-ee], adjective
• re·cip·ro·ca·tor noun
• non·re·cip·ro·cat·ing adjective
• un·re·cip·ro·cat·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of reciprocate¹

First recorded in 1605–15; from Latin reciprocātus, past participle of reciprocāre “to move back and forth”; -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of reciprocate¹

C17: from Latin reciprocāre , from reciprocus reciprocal

Example Sentences

“She was always aloof, quiet, and never put out any effort to reciprocate,” Wall said.

From The Daily Beast

And world powers said they were ready to reciprocate, if Iran gave significant assurances.

From The Daily Beast

The Israelis reciprocate with unique intelligence assistance.

From The Daily Beast

They treat the Yemenis with contempt, and the Yemenis reciprocate.

From The Daily Beast

When we meet in debates, Karl is cordial—even genial—and I do my best to reciprocate.

From The Daily Beast

This dedication is very precious, as indicating your regard for me, and on my part I reciprocate your feeling.

From Project Gutenberg

I can assure you it would have been very pleasant and interesting, for I, too, warmly reciprocate your sympathy.

From Project Gutenberg

To-day we reciprocate by sending Western farmers with capital into the Canadian Northwest.

From Project Gutenberg

I must, however, allow that Mr. Henson is a courteous disputant, and I hope I shall reciprocate his good feeling.

From Project Gutenberg

Hence, there was always some truth in the charge of his friends that he failed to reciprocate their devotion with his favors.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• repay
• retaliate