Words / C1

ri-tal-ee-AYSHUN/rɪˌtæliˈeɪʃn/

Retaliation is hitting back after harm: in retaliation for, fear of retaliation. Retaliate is the verb. Revenge is everyday and more personal; reprisal is a close formal cousin. Defence is not the same as hitting back. Do not call a first strike retaliation.

Meaning

Harmful action against someone because they have harmed you.

Examples

• “The walkout was framed as retaliation for the pay freeze.”
• “The surcharge was read as retaliation for the leaked memo, whether or not that was the motive.”
• “Whistle-blowers need a rule against retaliation, not a poster about “openness”.”

Good to know

Hitting back after harm. Verb: retaliate. Everyday: revenge. Formal cousin: reprisal. Not the first blow.

Near in meaning

reprisal

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