Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

proportionate-response

noun

/prəˈpɔːrʃənət rɪˈspɒns/

Definition

A response that is equal in scale or intensity to the action that provoked it.

Examples

In international relations, countries strive for a proportionate response to acts of aggression.
She believed that a proportionate response was crucial for maintaining fairness in the debate.
The jury agreed that the defendant’s actions warranted a proportionate response by the court.

Meaning

The term refers to a principle often used in discussions about retaliation, where the level of response should be in accordance with the severity of the original act.