verb
retaliate
rih-TAL-ee-ayt
Retaliate (verb) means to respond to harm done to you by causing harm in return. Example: “The country threatened to retaliate if the sanctions weren't lifted.”
verb
1
To respond to harm done to you by causing harm in return.
"The country threatened to retaliate if the sanctions weren't lifted."
How to use retaliate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo hit back after being wronged, rather than starting the conflict.
Common pairings
retaliate against
threaten to retaliate
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- retaliates
- Past tense
- retaliated
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The country threatened to _____ if the sanctions weren't lifted.
Etymology
From Latin retaliare, "to repay in kind," related to talio, the legal principle of "an eye for an eye."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for retaliate
See all rhymes for retaliate →Frequently asked questions
What does “retaliate” mean?
The word “retaliate” means to respond to harm done to you by causing harm in return. In plain terms, to hit back after being wronged, rather than starting the conflict.
How do you pronounce “retaliate”?
“Retaliate” is pronounced rih-TAL-ee-ayt (/ɹɪˈtæl.i.eɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “retaliate” in a sentence?
Here is “retaliate” used in a sentence: “The country threatened to retaliate if the sanctions weren't lifted.”
What part of speech is “retaliate”?
“Retaliate” is a verb.
Where does the word “retaliate” come from?
The word “retaliate” comes from Latin. From Latin retaliare, "to repay in kind," related to talio, the legal principle of "an eye for an eye.".
