Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
retaliate
verb
/rɪˈtæl.i.eɪt/
Definition
To respond to an attack or injury by inflicting harm in return.
Examples
- After being insulted, he decided to retaliate with a clever comeback.
- The country threatened to retaliate if the sanctions were not lifted.
- She knew that retaliating would only escalate the argument.
Meaning
Retaliate means to take action against someone who has harmed you, often as a way of seeking revenge.
Synonyms
- avenge
- counter
- reciprocate
- get back at
- pay back
