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.

From Latin 'retaliatio', meaning 'to pay back or retaliate'.

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.

reprisal

An act of retaliation against an enemy.

vengeance

The desire for revenge or punishment.

revenge

To inflict harm in return for a wrong done.

Payback

She planned her payback after what he did.

Getting even

He was all about getting even for those jokes.