retaliate

verbattested in dialogue

//ɹɪˈtæl.i.eɪt//

To do something harmful or negative to get revenge for some harm; to fight back or respond in kind to an injury or affront.

verb

1
To do something harmful or negative to get revenge for some harm; to fight back or respond in kind to an injury or affront.
John insulted Peter to retaliate for Peter's acid remark earlier.
Many companies have policies in place to prevent bosses from retaliating against allegations of harassment.
2
To repay or requite by an act of the same kind.
One ambassador sent word to the duke's son that his visit should be retaliated.
1713-174, Jonathan Swift and Alexander Pope, Memoirs of Martinus Scriblerus Preface It is unlucky to be obliged to retaliate the injuries of authors, whose works are so soon forgotten that we are in danger of appearing the first aggressors.

Etymology

From Latin retāliātus, past participle of retāliō (“to requite, retaliate”).

Forms

past tense: retaliated
past participle: retaliated
present participle: retaliating
third person singular: retaliates

retail · The sale of goods directly to the consumer, encompassing the…retain · Often followed by from: to hold back (someone or something);…retainer · Any thing or person that retains.

retaliate · To do something harmful or negative to get revenge for some harm; to fight back or respond in kind to an injury or affront.

retaliation · Violent or otherwise punitive response to an act of harm or…retard · A retardation; a delay.retarded · Delayed; delayed in development, hindered; impeded.

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