retaliation

American  

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

noun

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

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Other Word Forms

• counterretaliation noun
• nonretaliation noun

Etymology

Origin of retaliation

First recorded in 1575–85; retaliate + -ion

Example Sentences

Iran has struggled to resupply them, limiting its ability to mount coordinated retaliation.

From The Wall Street Journal

It would fall short of a full-scale attack that could inspire a major retaliation.

From The Wall Street Journal

The staffer, who asked not to be named due to fear of retaliation, denied that he had been paid or promised any compensation by Gonzales’ primary opponents, the newspaper said.

From Salon

He also said thousands of US troops in the region "could be at risk of retaliation".

From BBC

Some U.S. officials and analysts have warned that such an assault would encourage an Iranian retaliation, possibly drawing the U.S. into a broader war in the Middle East.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• punishment
• reprisal
• retribution
• revenge