retaliation Definition
- 1the act of hurting someone or doing something harmful to someone because they have done or said something harmful to you
- 2the action of returning a military attack
Using retaliation: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "retaliation" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The company's decision to lay off workers was met with retaliation from the labor union.
Example
The bombing of the enemy's military base was seen as a retaliation for their previous attack.
Example
She refused to retaliate against her bullies, choosing instead to take the high road.
retaliation Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for retaliation
- reprisal
- retribution
- payback
- revenge
- vengeance
Antonyms for retaliation
Phrases with retaliation
as a response to something harmful that has been done to you
Example
The country imposed trade tariffs in retaliation for the other country's unfair practices.
a military attack launched in response to a previous attack
Example
The government authorized a retaliation attack on the enemy's military base.
an action taken to respond to a harmful action by another party
Example
The company implemented a retaliation measure against the employee who leaked confidential information.
Origins of retaliation
from Latin 'retaliare', meaning 'to return like for like'
Summary: retaliation in Brief
Retaliation [rɪˌtæliˈeɪʃən] refers to the act of harming someone in response to their harmful actions towards you. It can also refer to military action taken in response to an attack. Examples include 'The company's decision to lay off workers was met with retaliation from the labor union,' and 'The bombing of the enemy's military base was seen as a retaliation for their previous attack.' Phrases include 'in retaliation for,' and 'retaliation measure.' Antonyms include 'forgiveness' and 'pardon.'
