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/ɹɪˈtæl.i.eɪt/ · verb
(intransitive) 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.
Many companies have policies in place to prevent bosses from retaliating against allegations of harassment.
1713-174, Jonathan Swift and Alexander Pope, Memoirs of Martinus Scriblerus Preface It is unlucky to be obliged to retaliate the injuries of authors, whose works are so soon forgotten that we are in danger of appearing the first aggressors.
One ambassador sent word to the duke's son that his visit should be retaliated.
Use retaliate when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.
Retaliate means (intransitive) To do something harmful or negative to get revenge for some harm; to fight back or respond in kind to an injury or affront..
Common synonyms include avenge, revenge.
The opposite depends on the specific sense.
John insulted Peter to retaliate for Peter's acid remark earlier.
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