retaliate
verb (used without object)
to return like for like, especially evil for evil.
was retaliating
-
past progressiveof retaliate.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
Meanwhile, China was retaliating with its own tariffs on U.S.-made imports, ultimately set at 125%.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 13, 2025
National Labor Relations Board that alleged the company was retaliating against him for his union activism.
From Seattle Times ● Oct. 4, 2022
Labour organisers said the firm was retaliating in a bid to slow the momentum of their efforts.
From BBC ● Feb. 8, 2022
He said the staffer was retaliating against him for telling her the week before that he planned to replace her.
From Washington Times ● Jan. 13, 2021
With this fish I was retaliating against the sea, against the wind, against the sinking of ships, against all circumstances that were working against me.
From "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel
