retaliation

American  

[ri-tal-ee-ey-shuhn] / rɪˌtæl iˈeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act of retaliating; return of like for like; reprisal.

---

Other Word Forms

• counterretaliation noun
• nonretaliation noun

Etymology

Origin of retaliation

First recorded in 1575–85; retaliate + -ion

Example Sentences

Cipriani says the charges were part of a retaliation scheme that involved the casino and local law enforcement and he took the phone away from someone filming him.

From The Wall Street Journal

"The outlook reflects the resilience of global trade, buoyed by trade in high technology products and digitally delivered services, adaptations in supply chains and the avoidance of tit-for-tat retaliation on tariffs," Okonjo-Iweala said.

From Barron's

New supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei, who has not been seen in public since he was appointed to succeed his slain father, vowed retaliation.

From Barron's

At least one truck driver, who did not want to be identified because he fears retaliation by the federal government, expressed frustration at both federal and state governments.

From Los Angeles Times

Concerned for justice or retaliation for a son or husband, rather than a whole battalion of sons or husbands?”

From Literature

Related Words

• punishment
• reprisal
• retribution
• revenge