retaliate
verb (used without object)
to return like for like, especially evil for evil.
retaliating
-
present participleof retaliate.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
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.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry said it would refrain from retaliating against the Iraqi militias at the request of Baghdad.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 14, 2026
BGC says it has strong policies protecting whistleblowers from retaliation and denies retaliating against Andriesz.
From BBC ● Jul. 14, 2026
Immigration attorneys and advocates are accusing Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials of retaliating against detainees taking part in hunger strikes over inhumane conditions at the Adelanto ICE Processing Center.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 11, 2026
But Ben Brake, director general of DOT Europe, whose members include Amazon and Apple, said "retaliating against US corporations in response to trade disputes will neither drive innovation nor strengthen Europe's competitiveness".
From Barron's ● May 30, 2026
Biting his tongue to prevent himself retaliating, he sat down in front of the boxes and pulled one toward him.
From "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" by J.K. Rowling
