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Retaliating: meaning, definitions and examples

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retaliating

 

[ rɪˈtæl.i.eɪt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

response to harm

Retaliating is the act of opposing or responding to an action that is perceived as harmful. It often involves a counter-attack or revenge against someone or something that has caused injury or insult. This behavior is frequently seen in conflicts, where one party reacts to an aggressive act by the other. Retaliation can occur in personal relationships, workplace dynamics, or even in international relations. While it might serve as a means of seeking justice or balancing power, such actions can also escalate conflicts and lead to further consequences.

Synonyms

counterattack, reprisal, revenge, vengeance

Examples of usage

  • The country retaliated with airstrikes.
  • He felt the need to retaliate after being insulted.
  • She decided against retaliating, opting for forgiveness instead.
  • Retaliating can often worsen the situation.

Translations

Translations of the word "retaliating" in other languages:

🇵🇹 retaliando

🇮🇳 प्रतिशोध करना

🇩🇪 Vergeltung üben

🇮🇩 membalas

🇺🇦 відповідь

🇵🇱 odwet

🇯🇵 報復する

🇫🇷 rétaliation

🇪🇸 represalia

🇹🇷 misilleme

🇰🇷 보복하다

🇸🇦 الانتقام

🇨🇿 odplata

🇸🇰 odplata

🇨🇳 报复

🇸🇮 maščevanje

🇮🇸 hefnd

🇰🇿 кек алу

🇬🇪 სასჯელი

🇦🇿 intiqam

🇲🇽 represalia

Etymology

The word 'retaliate' originates from the Latin term 'retaliatus', which is the past participle of 'retaliare', meaning 'to return in kind'. The root 'talio' in Latin refers to the principle of exacting a penalty that is equal to the wrong done, encapsulating the notion of proportionality in punishment. This concept has been reflected throughout various cultures and historical contexts, often associated with themes of justice, revenge, and balance. Over time, the word evolved into Middle French as 'retalier', which then made its way into English in the late 15th century. In English, it has maintained its core meaning of responding in kind to an offensive act, especially in situations where a sense of injustice is felt.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,714 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.