Definition

Relating to or characterized by retaliation, which means responding to an action with a similar action, often in a negative or harmful way.

Example

The country's retaliative measures were aimed at discouraging further aggression from its neighbor.

Conversation

Did you hear about the retaliative measures they took after the incident?

Yeah, it seems a bit extreme to me.

I agree; it just escalates the situation further.

Exactly, sometimes it's better to just move on.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Retaliative → It is formed from "re-" (meaning again) and "taliare" (from Latin, meaning to cut or to slice). The word refers to the act of responding or striking back again, often in a similar manner to an initial action.

Memory Tip

Think of 'again' ('re-') and 'cutting back' ('taliare') to remember that 'retaliative' means to respond or strike back in a similar way.

Visually Confused Words