retaliation
UK: rɪˌtæl.iˈeɪ.ʃən | US: rɪˌtæl.iˈeɪ.ʃən
n. the act of retaliating; revenge or counterattack in response to harm or provocation.
n. (law) legal or punitive action taken in return for a wrongdoing.
retaliation = re<back, again> + tali<pay> + ation<noun suffix>
- re: Latin prefix meaning "back" or "again," indicating a return or repetition.
- tali: Derived from Latin talis ("such") or talion ("retribution"), rooted in the idea of "paying back" or "equivalent repayment."
- ation: A noun-forming suffix indicating an action or process.
Etymology Origin:
The word "retaliation" traces back to Latin retaliare ("to pay back in kind"), combining re- (return) and talion (a legal principle of proportional punishment, e.g., "an eye for an eye"). It entered English in the 17th century, originally referring to literal reprisals but later broadening to include metaphorical or institutional counteractions. The morphemes reflect a clear cause-and-effect logic: a punitive response (tali) that mirrors the original act (re-).
The bombings were seen as retaliation for the assassination of the leader.
She feared retaliation from her employer after reporting the misconduct.
The tribe practiced retaliation against neighboring groups to maintain deterrence.
Legal retaliation against whistleblowers is prohibited under federal law.
His harsh words invited swift retaliation from the audience.