retorsion

or re·tor·tion

[ ri-tawr-shuhn ]

noun

, International Law.

1. retaliation or reprisal by one state identical or similar to an act by an offending state, such as high tariffs or discriminating duties.

retorsion

/ rɪˈtɔːʃən /

noun

1. rare.
   retaliatory action taken by a state whose citizens have been mistreated by a foreign power by treating the subjects of that power similarly; reprisal

Word History and Origins

Origin of retorsion¹

1650–60; < Medieval Latin retorsiōn- (stem of retorsiō, variant of retortiō ); retortion

Word History and Origins

Origin of retorsion¹

C17: from French; see retort ¹

Example Sentences

Instead, the United States can respond with measures such as “a diplomatic protest, an economic embargo, or other acts of retorsion” the manual says.

From Reuters

Four Justices dissented on the ground that "the application of the doctrine of res judicata does not rest in discretion; and it is for the Government, and not for its courts, to adopt the principle of retorsion, if deemed under any circumstances desirable or necessary."

From Project Gutenberg