'retaliator' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'retaliari,' where 're-' meant 'again' and 'talis' meant 'such.'

'retaliari' transformed into the French word 'retalier,' and eventually became the modern English word 'retaliate' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to pay back in kind,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to seek revenge or retribution.'