retaliate

Pronunciation

• IPA: /rɪˈtælieɪt/
• American: ruh-TAL-ee-ayt

Origin

From Latin "retaliatus", past participle of "retaliare", meaning "to repay in kind" (re- "back" + talis "such")

Meanings

1. (verb) To return like for like, especially to get revenge by inflicting harm in return for harm received
2. (verb) To take reciprocal action, particularly in response to an injury or offense

Example Sentences

1. "After their products were banned, the country retaliated by imposing high tariffs."
2. "The boxer retaliated with a powerful right hook after being hit."
3. "The company retaliated against the whistleblower by firing him."

Related Words

• Forms:

  • retaliated (past tense)
  • retaliating (present participle)
  • retaliates (3rd person singular)
  • retaliation (noun)
  • retaliatory (adjective)

• Synonyms:

  • revenge
  • counterattack
  • reciprocate
  • avenge
  • strike back

Memory Tricks

1. Break it down: re (back) + tali (such) + ate (action) = "to act back in such a way"
2. Think "retail + ate": If someone "ate" (hurt) your retail business, you would "retaliate" by fighting back
3. Remember the phrase "tit for tat" - retaliation is about responding in kind