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Translate files Retaliation
/rɪˌtæliˈeɪʃən/
Meaning & Definition
noun
The action of returning a military attack; counterattack.
The country launched a retaliation against the invading forces.
The action of harming someone because they have harmed oneself; revenge.
She feared retaliation from her colleagues after reporting the misconduct.
The act of returning an injury or wrong.
His retaliation was swift and unexpected.
Etymology
From Latin 'retaliatio', meaning 'to pay back or retaliate'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
an eye for an eye:
The principle of retaliation that argues for equal punishment for a wrong.
get back at:
To take revenge on someone.
return the favor:
To act in retaliation by doing something similar to what was done to you.
Related Words
Slang Meanings
Payback
She planned her payback after what he did.
Getting even
He was all about getting even for those jokes.