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

Pyongyang has given the Obama administration no choice but to retaliate now by imposing sanctions or even an embargo.

From The Daily Beast

Hamas is firing missiles and begging Israel to retaliate so they could use the images as propaganda.

From The Daily Beast

Nuclear weapons could prove the only way for it to retaliate in-kind, and nobody wants that.

From The Daily Beast

A frightened country could be prompted to quickly retaliate with nuclear weapons.

From The Daily Beast

At least some members of Congress are looking to retaliate in kind.

From The Daily Beast

These associations showed the English manufacturers that Ireland could retaliate upon them.

From Project Gutenberg

Please give my love to all your people, and forgive my intolerably long letters—or retaliate in kind.

From Project Gutenberg

She dropped her bridle-reins, springing back a quick step, turning her eyes about for some weapon by which she might retaliate.

From Project Gutenberg

The fleet of Sator tried to retaliate, but the Nansalians were prepared for them.

From Project Gutenberg

The representation in the House would surely suffer by his action, because in this way only could the offended people retaliate.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• reciprocate