requite

[ ri-kwahyt ]

verb (used with object)

, re·quit·ed, re·quit·ing.

1. to make repayment or return for (service, benefits, etc.).

   Synonyms: reimburse, remunerate, pay, compensate, recompense, reward, repay

2. to make retaliation for (a wrong, injury, etc.); avenge.

   Synonyms: revenge

   Antonyms: forgive

3. to make return to (a person, group, etc.) for service, benefits, etc.
4. to retaliate on (a person, group, etc.) for a wrong, injury, etc.
5. to give or do in return.

requite

/ rɪˈkwaɪt /

verb

1. tr to make return to (a person for a kindness or injury); repay with a similar action

Derived Forms

• reˈquitable, adjective
• reˈquiter, noun
• reˈquitement, noun

Other Words From

• re·quita·ble adjective
• re·quitement noun
• re·quiter noun
• unre·quita·ble adjective
• unre·quiting adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of requite¹

1520–30; re- + obsolete quite, variant of quit ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of requite¹

C16: re- + obsolete quite to discharge, repay; see quit

Example Sentences

Therefore neither shall my eye spare, nor will I have pity: I will requite their way upon their head.

From Project Gutenberg

These cherished plants seemed to comprehend and requite unaffected love.

From Project Gutenberg

He bid Henry apply to him when in danger, and promised to requite the son for the hospitality of the father.

From Project Gutenberg

Sir Henry yielded to his wish; and by every indulgence strove to requite the services he had rendered him.

From Project Gutenberg

Whatever it might be, he would faithfully requite her; even to making his own purpose subservient to it.

From Project Gutenberg