retorsion

or re·tor·tion

[ ri-tawr-shuhn ]

/ rɪˈtɔr ʃən /

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noun International Law.

retaliation or reprisal by one state identical or similar to an act by an offending state, such as high tariffs or discriminating duties.

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Origin of retorsion

1650–60; <Medieval Latin retorsiōn- (stem of retorsiō, variant of retortiō); see retortion

Words nearby retorsion

retirement pension, retirement plan, retirement relief, retiring, retool, retorsion, retort, retortion, retouch, retox, retrace

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use retorsion in a sentence

Although such acts may be met by retorsion, they are not illegal and therefore not delinquent acts.
International Law. A Treatise. Volume I (of 2)|Lassa Francis Oppenheim
It can, secondly, exercise retorsion and reprisals for the purpose of making the other State comply with its demands.
International Law. A Treatise. Volume I (of 2)|Lassa Francis Oppenheim
Retorsion, reprisals, pacific blockade, and war will be treated in the second volume of this work.
International Law. A Treatise. Volume I (of 2)|Lassa Francis Oppenheim
For the application of retorsion is confined to political, and that of reprisals to legal differences.
International Law. A Treatise. Volume II (of 2)|Lassa Francis Oppenheim

The question when retorsion is and when it is not justified is not one of law, and is difficult to answer.
International Law. A Treatise. Volume II (of 2)|Lassa Francis Oppenheim

British Dictionary definitions for retorsion

retorsion

/ (rɪˈtɔːʃən) /

noun

rare retaliatory action taken by a state whose citizens have been mistreated by a foreign power by treating the subjects of that power similarly; reprisal

Word Origin for retorsion

C17: from French; see retort 1

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012