retaliate means to do something harmful or negative to get revenge for some harm; to fight back or respond in kind to an injury or affront. Lexicurio rates it Distinctive — a strength score of 69 out of 100.
retaliate is pronounced /ɹɪˈtæl.i.eɪt/.
verb
- To do something harmful or negative to get revenge for some harm; to fight back or respond in kind to an injury or affront.“John insulted Peter to retaliate for Peter's acid remark earlier.”
- To repay or requite by an act of the same kind.“One ambassador sent word to the duke's son that his visit should be retaliated.”