retaliate
verb (used without object)
to return like for like, especially evil for evil.
have been retaliating
-
present perfect progressiveof retaliate.present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
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.
Lackey may have been retaliating for Cervelli’s demonstrative hand clap as he touched home plate after his prodigious blast, which cleared the seats atop the Green Monster in left.
From New York Times ● Aug. 31, 2011
To-day I think they must have been retaliating for some mischief our guns had unintentionally done to their Crescent.
From The Incomparable 29th and the "River Clyde" by George Davidson
