Retaliate

/rɪˈtæl.i.eɪt/

Meaning & Definition

verb

To return an attack or injury in kind; to take revenge.

After being insulted, she decided not to retaliate and instead walked away.

To take revenge for an injury or wrong done to oneself or someone else.

The country threatened to retaliate if the sanctions were not lifted.

To respond to an action with a counteraction, particularly in a conflict or dispute.

The bees will often retaliate if their hive is disturbed.

Late Latin 'retaliatus', past participle of 'retaliare', meaning to return an injury.

an eye for an eye

the principle of retribution or revenge where one punishes another in a similar manner.

tit for tat

a situation in which one action is met with a similar action, often in retaliation.

retaliation

the act of retaliating or taking revenge.

revenge

the action of inflicting hurt or harm on someone for an injury or wrong.

reprisal

an act of retaliation.

Get back at someone.

She plans to get back at him for spreading rumors.

Payback.

He always believes in payback when someone crosses him.