Meaning & Definition of word "Retort"

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.