retaliate

[ri-tal-ee-eyt]

verb (used without object)

retaliated, retaliating 

1. to return like for like, especially evil for evil.

   to retaliate for an injury.

   Synonyms: reciprocate, repay, counter

verb (used with object)

retaliated, retaliating 

1. to requite or make return for (a wrong or injury) with the like.

retaliate

/ rɪˈtælɪˌeɪt /

verb

1. (intr) to take retributory action, esp by returning some injury or wrong in kind

2. (intr) to cast (accustations) back upon a person

3. rare,  (tr) to avenge (an injury, wrong, etc)

Other Word Forms

• retaliative adjective
• retaliatory adjective
• retaliator noun
• unretaliated adjective
• unretaliating adjective
• unretaliative adjective
• retaliation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of retaliate¹

First recorded in 1605–15; from Late Latin retāliātus (past participle of retāliāre ), equivalent to re- re- + tāli(s) “such, of such a nature” + -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of retaliate¹

C17: from Late Latin retāliāre , from Latin _re- + tālis of such kind

Example Sentences

Analysts described the move as “economic brinkmanship,” noting that China could retaliate by targeting U.S. exports or restricting access to key materials even further.

Read more on Salon

However, the Geneva-based dispute resolution body expects exports and imports of goods to grow at a slower pace in 2026 as the tariff rises implemented by the U.S. and in retaliating countries take full effect.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Holz: The industry might retaliate in a more proactive way with a different presidential figure, but no political party seems pro the drug industry.

Read more on Barron's

Israel remains implacably opposed and has threatened to retaliate through formal annexation of parts or all of the West Bank.

Read more on BBC

On Friday, a United Nations report warned of the "increasing ethnicisation of the conflict," saying both sides were retaliating against people accused of collaborating with opposing parties.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• reciprocate