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Retaliatory: meaning, definitions and examples

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retaliatory

 

[ rɪˈtæliəˌtɔːri ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

international relations

Relating to or characterized by retaliation, especially in response to an attack or provocation.

Synonyms

retributive, revengeful, vindictive

Examples of usage

  • The country issued a retaliatory strike after the enemy's initial attack.
  • The retaliatory measures taken by the government were seen as a response to the hostile actions of the neighboring country.
  • The retaliatory nature of the conflict only escalated tensions further.
  • The retaliatory policies implemented by the leader were met with mixed reactions.
  • The retaliatory actions of the army were swift and decisive.

Translations

Translations of the word "retaliatory" in other languages:

🇵🇹 retaliatório

🇮🇳 प्रतिशोधात्मक

🇩🇪 vergeltend

🇮🇩 pembalasan

🇺🇦 відплатний

🇵🇱 odwetowy

🇯🇵 報復の

🇫🇷 de représailles

🇪🇸 de represalia

🇹🇷 misilleme

🇰🇷 보복적인

🇸🇦 انتقامي

🇨🇿 odvetný

🇸🇰 odvetný

🇨🇳 报复性的

🇸🇮 povračilni

🇮🇸 hefnigjarn

🇰🇿 қайталаушы

🇬🇪 სამაგიერო

🇦🇿 qisasçı

🇲🇽 de represalia

Word origin

The word 'retaliatory' originates from the verb 'retaliate' which comes from the Latin word 'retaliare', meaning 'to pay back in kind'. The concept of retaliation has been present throughout human history as a response to perceived injustices or attacks. In international relations, retaliatory actions are often used as a means of deterrence or defense. The adjective 'retaliatory' embodies the idea of responding to aggression or provocation with similar actions.

See also: retaliation.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,770, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.