retaliatory
|re-tal-i-a-to-ry|
C1
🇺🇸
/rɪˈtæliəˌtɔri/
🇬🇧
/rɪˈtæliət(ə)ri/
(retaliate)
respond in kind
Etymology
Etymology Information
'retaliatory' originates from the Latin word 'retaliari,' where 're-' meant 'back' and 'talis' meant 'such.'
Historical Evolution
'retaliari' transformed into the French word 'retalier,' and eventually became the modern English word 'retaliate,' from which 'retaliatory' is derived.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to pay back in kind,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
characterized by or involving retaliation; done as a response to an action, especially a harmful one.
The country launched a retaliatory strike against its aggressors.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/02/03 23:21