verb (used without object), re·tal·i·at·ed, re·tal·i·at·ing.
- to return like for like, especially evil for evil: to retaliate for an injury.
verb (used with object), re·tal·i·at·ed, re·tal·i·at·ing.
- to requite or make return for (a wrong or injury) with the like.
verb
- (intr) to take retributory action, esp by returning some injury or wrong in kind
- (intr) to cast (accustations) back upon a person
- (tr) rare to avenge (an injury, wrong, etc)
1610s, from Latin retaliatus, past participle of retaliare “requite, retaliate” (see retaliation). Related: Retaliated; retaliating.