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Translate files Retort
/rɪˈtɔːrt/
Meaning & Definition
noun
A quick, sharp, or witty reply.
Her retort was so clever that it caught everyone by surprise.
A vessel used for distillation or chemical reactions.
The chemist carefully placed the mixture into the retort to begin the reaction.
verb
To reply in a sharp or witty manner.
He retorted with a sarcastic comment that left her speechless.
To say something in response to a remark or accusation, often in a quick or angry way.
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
A sassy comeback.
That was a fire retort, you really shut them down!
A sharp remark.
Her retort was so quick, it left everyone laughing.