Meaning & Definition of word "Retort"
to
Retort
/rɪˈtɔːrt/
noun:
- 1. A quick, sharp, or witty reply.
- Example: Her retort was so clever that it caught everyone by surprise.
- 2. A vessel used for distillation or chemical reactions.
- Example: The chemist carefully placed the mixture into the retort to begin the reaction.
verb:
- 1. To reply in a sharp or witty manner.
- Example: He retorted with a sarcastic comment that left her speechless.
- 2. To say something in response to a remark or accusation, often in a quick or angry way.
- Example: She retorted that she was not to blame for the failure of the project.
Etymology
Late Middle English: from Old French 'retorter', from Latin 'retorere' meaning 'to twist back'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
a clever retort:
A smart or witty response.
retort with sass:
To reply in a cheeky or impudent manner.
quick retort:
An immediate and clever answer.
Related Words
rejoinder:
A reply, especially a sharp or witty one.
comeback:
A return to an argument, often quick and witty.
counterargument:
An argument made to rebut a previous argument.
Slang Meanings of retort
Meaning: A sassy comeback.
Example Sentence: That was a fire retort, you really shut them down!
Meaning: A sharp remark.
Example Sentence: Her retort was so quick, it left everyone laughing.