Retaliation Meaning and Definition
Retaliation
Pronunciation
/ˌrɛtəˈleɪʃən/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
The act of responding to an attack, insult, or injury with a similar attack, insult, or injury; revenge.
Examples
- The country launched a retaliation attack after the initial bombing.
- She vowed to take retaliation against her former business partner for his betrayal.
Synonyms
- Revenge
- Retribution
- Punishment
Antonyms
- Forgiveness
- Mercy
Additional Information
Retaliation is often used as a means of deterrence, to prevent future harm or aggression. However, it can also lead to an escalation of violence and create a cycle of revenge.
In international relations, retaliation can take many forms, including economic sanctions, military action, or diplomatic reprisals.
In personal relationships, retaliation can manifest as verbal or physical aggression, or even subtle forms of revenge, such as sabotage or manipulation.
Etimology
The word “retaliation” comes from the Latin “retaliare,” meaning “to pay back” or “to return like for like.”
Usage Notes
Retaliation is often used in a variety of contexts, including politics, law, and personal relationships. It is important to consider the motivations and consequences of retaliation, as it can have far-reaching and unintended effects.
Cultural References
In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the concept of retaliation is explored in the movie “Captain America: Civil War,” where the Avengers are torn apart by disagreements over the morality of retaliation.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth” (meaning retaliation should be proportional to the original harm)
Related Words or Phrases
- Vengeance
- Reprisal
- Retaliation cycle
Collocations
- “retaliation attack”
- “retaliation policy”
- “retaliation strategy”
Frequency of Use
Retaliation is a moderately common word in modern language, used in a variety of contexts to describe responses to harm or aggression.