retaliate

[ ri-tal-ee-eyt ]

verb (used without object)

, re·tal·i·at·ed, re·tal·i·at·ing.

1. to return like for like, especially evil for evil:

   to retaliate for an injury.

   Synonyms: reciprocate, repay, counter

verb (used with object)

, re·tal·i·at·ed, re·tal·i·at·ing.

1. to requite or make return for (a wrong or injury) with the like.

retaliate

/ rɪˈtælɪˌeɪt /

verb

1. intr to take retributory action, esp by returning some injury or wrong in kind
2. intr to cast (accustations) back upon a person
3. rare.
   tr to avenge (an injury, wrong, etc)

Derived Forms

• reˈtaliˌator, noun
• reˈtaliative, adjective
• reˌtaliˈation, noun

Other Words From

• re·tal·i·a·tive re·tal·i·a·to·ry [ri-, tal, -ee-, uh, -tawr-ee], adjective
• re·tal·i·a·tor noun
• un·re·tal·i·at·ed adjective
• un·re·tal·i·at·ing adjective
• un·re·tal·i·a·tive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of retaliate¹

First recorded in 1605–15; from Late Latin retāliātus (past participle of retāliāre ), equivalent to re- re- + tāli(s) “such, of such a nature” + -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of retaliate¹

C17: from Late Latin retāliāre , from Latin re- + tālis of such kind

Example Sentences

Now, federal labor regulators say the company’s back-to-office order was an unlawful ploy to retaliate against the workers’ union organizing efforts.

From Los Angeles Times

They raise prices on many of the goods Americans buy, pushing inflation upward, and they almost always prompt other countries to retaliate by imposing tariffs on U.S. exports.

From Los Angeles Times

City officials expressed fear that Trump, a mercurial leader prone to grudges, would retaliate against California and Los Angeles because of its Democratic leadership.

From Los Angeles Times

Beijing will not stand by - it will retaliate.

From BBC

Israel immediately vowed it would retaliate.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• reciprocate