retaliate
verb (used without object)
to return like for like, especially evil for evil.
had retaliated
-
past perfectof retaliate.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But the reinstatement was short-lived: within months, Silcott alleged that the county had retaliated by stripping away meaningful duties, among other retributions.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 19, 2025
He also acknowledged that Boeing had retaliated against whistleblowers but said he had "listened" to those employees.
From BBC ● Jun. 19, 2024
Twelve officers subsequently filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the city, asserting the police department had retaliated against them for exercising their First Amendment rights.
From Seattle Times ● Jun. 9, 2023
At the same time, 22 percent of adults reported that they had retaliated against or were harshly critical of someone over something he or she said.
From New York Times ● Mar. 18, 2022
He had retaliated, in some degree, for the injury he had received, and could meet his comrades in the South, fresh from a success instead of a disaster.
From History of Morgan's Cavalry by Basil Wilson Duke
