retaliation
|re-tal-i-a-tion|
B2
/rɪˌtæliˈeɪʃən/
(retaliate)
respond in kind
Etymology
Etymology Information
'retaliation' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'retaliatio', where 're-' meant 'again' and 'taliare' meant 'to cut'.
Historical Evolution
'retaliatio' transformed into the French word 'retaliation', and eventually became the modern English word 'retaliation' through Middle English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to pay back in kind', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'counterattack'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the act of returning an attack; counterattack.
The country launched a missile in retaliation for the attack.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:41