Retaliation: meaning, definitions and examples
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retaliation
[ rɪˌtæliˈeɪʃən ]
in conflict
The action of returning a military attack; counterattack.
Synonyms
reprisal, retribution, revenge, vengeance
Examples of usage
- The country vowed to take strong retaliation against the enemy forces.
- The retaliation by the opposing army was swift and decisive.
in workplace
The act of responding to a perceived injustice, mistreatment, or discrimination, often in a way to seek justice or fairness.
Synonyms
reprisal, retalitory action, retribution, revenge
Examples of usage
- The employee filed a complaint in retaliation for being passed over for a promotion.
- She faced retaliation from her colleagues after reporting the harassment.
Translations
Translations of the word "retaliation" in other languages:
🇵🇹 retaliação
🇮🇳 प्रतिकार
🇩🇪 Vergeltung
🇮🇩 pembalasan
🇺🇦 відплата
🇵🇱 odwet
🇯🇵 報復 (ほうふく)
🇫🇷 représailles
🇪🇸 represalia
🇹🇷 misilleme
🇰🇷 보복 (보복)
🇸🇦 انتقام
🇨🇿 odveta
🇸🇰 odplata
🇨🇳 报复 (bàofù)
🇸🇮 povračilo
🇮🇸 hefnd
🇰🇿 кек
🇬🇪 შურისძიება
🇦🇿 intiqam
🇲🇽 represalia
Word origin
The word 'retaliation' originated from the Latin word 'retaliare,' which means 'to pay back in kind.' Throughout history, retaliation has been a common aspect of human conflict, whether in the form of military retaliation, personal revenge, or seeking justice in response to mistreatment. The concept of retaliation is deeply ingrained in various cultures and has been a topic of philosophical and ethical discussions regarding the nature of justice and retribution.
See also: retaliatory.