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Retaliated: meaning, definitions and examples

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retaliated

 

[ rɪˈtæl.i.eɪtɪd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

action taken

To retaliate means to respond to an action or attack by inflicting harm or injury back on the original aggressor. It often suggests a personal or moral imperative to fight back in defense of oneself or one's values. Retaliatory actions can occur in various contexts, including interpersonal disputes, military engagements, or competitive environments. The act of retaliation can both escalate and resolve conflicts, depending on the circumstances and reactions of the parties involved.

Synonyms

counter, requite, strike back, venge.

Examples of usage

  • He retaliated against his opponent's aggressive behavior.
  • The country retaliated with stronger sanctions.
  • She felt compelled to retaliate after being wronged.
  • They retaliated swiftly to the attack.

Translations

Translations of the word "retaliated" in other languages:

🇵🇹 retaliou

🇮🇳 प्रतिशोध लिया

🇩🇪 vergalt

🇮🇩 membalas

🇺🇦 відплатив

🇵🇱 zemścił się

🇯🇵 報復した

🇫🇷 a riposté

🇪🇸 se vengó

🇹🇷 intikam aldı

🇰🇷 보복했다

🇸🇦 انتقم

🇨🇿 pomstil se

🇸🇰 pomstil sa

🇨🇳 报复了

🇸🇮 maščevati

🇮🇸 hefnd

🇰🇿 кек алуға

🇬🇪 შეუკვეთეს

🇦🇿 intiqam aldı

🇲🇽 se vengó

Etymology

The word 'retaliate' comes from the Latin word 'retaliatus,' which is the past participle of 'retaliare,' meaning 'to return in kind.' This Latin root is a combination of 're-' meaning 'back' and 'taliare' meaning 'to cut.' The concept is deeply rooted in human conflict and behavior, referring to the act of responding to an injury or offense with a counteraction, often seeking to restore justice or balance. As the word evolved through Middle English, it maintained the notion of vengeance or retaliation, becoming associated with various social and legal contexts. Over time, 'retaliate' has been increasingly used not just in personal disputes but also in political and military discourse, reflecting its broader implications in society.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,953, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.