retort
UK: rɪˈtɔːt | US: rɪˈtɔːrt
n. a sharp, clever, or angry reply
vt. to reply quickly or sharply, often in anger or wit
vt. (chemistry) to heat a liquid in a closed vessel to produce vapor for distillation
The word "retort" originated in the 16th century from Latin retortus (past participle of retorquere, "to twist back"). It initially described a literal twisting motion but evolved metaphorically to mean a sharp verbal comeback—twisting words back at someone. The chemical sense emerged later, referencing the "twisting" of vapors back into liquid during distillation.
She delivered a witty retort that left him speechless.
"That’s not true!" he retorted angrily.
The chemist used a glass retort to purify the solution.
His retort was so sharp it silenced the room.
Instead of ignoring the insult, she chose to retort with sarcasm.