retaliate
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /rɪˈtæl.i.eɪt/
KK: /rɪˈtæl.i.eɪt/
intransitive verb
Definition
To respond to an action, especially a harmful one, by doing something similar in return.
Example
After being insulted, he decided to retaliate by spreading rumors about her.
Tense Forms
Past: retaliated
Past Participle: retaliated
Conversation
I can't believe he would say that to you!
I know, right? It's so unfair.
You should just let it go instead of trying to retaliate.
Yeah, I guess that's the better choice, even if it's tempting.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
avenge
reciprocate
revenge
Antonyms
forgive
pardon
excuse
transitive verb
Definition
To respond to an action or injury by causing harm or doing something unpleasant to the person who caused it.
Example
After being insulted, he decided to retaliate by spreading rumors about her.
Tense Forms
Past: retaliated
Past Participle: retaliated
Conversation
Did you hear what happened at school yesterday?
Yeah, I heard someone tried to retaliate after being teased.
It's crazy how some people think that's the solution.
Root Explanation
Retaliate → It is formed from "re-" (meaning again) and "taliare" (from Latin, meaning to cut or to slice). The word describes the act of striking back or cutting back in response to an action.
Memory Tip
Think of 'again' ('re-') and 'cutting' ('taliare') to remember that 'retaliate' means to strike back in response.
Visually Confused Words
unretaliated
revalidate
retinalite
realienate
talliate
religate
petalite
talite