Retaliation Meaning
/ɹiˌtæl.iˈeɪ.ʃən/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounViolent or otherwise punitive response to an act of harm or perceived injustice; a hitting back; revenge.
Sentence Examples
Threats of retaliation are blocking negotiations.
He carried out an act of retaliation.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
The bombing was an act of ____ for the previous attack on their city.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The bombing was carried out in ____ for the attack on the embassy the previous month.
Word Origin & History
Etymology tree English retaliate Proto-Indo-European *-tis Proto-Indo-European *-Hō Proto-Indo-European *-tiHō Proto-Italic *-tiō Latin -tiō Latin -ātiōlbor. Old French -ationbor. Middle English -acioun English -ation English -ion English retaliation From retaliate + -ion.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Hamas knew there would be massive retaliations."
— 2009 January 13, “'Never again,' says survivor”, in Toronto Star:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The bombing was an act of ____ for the previous attack on their city.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The bombing was carried out in ____ for the attack on the embassy the previous month.