retaliatory

Everyday

1. Done to hit back or pay someone back for something bad they did. tree →
2. (news, war) Describing an attack or action that answers an earlier attack. tree →

In the lessons

In the news, "retaliatory strikes" or "retaliatory tariffs" are actions one side takes after the other side did something first. In school and everyday life, hitting back is retaliating — teachers explain that it often makes things worse and that telling an adult is better. In stories, a retaliatory act can start a cycle of revenge. Phrases: retaliatory attack, retaliatory strike, retaliatory measures.

Examples

• The country launched a retaliatory attack after being bombed. tree →
• The new taxes were a retaliatory move against the other country. tree →
• His retaliatory push got him sent off too. tree →
• Retaliatory insults only made the argument worse. tree →
• The teacher said, "No retaliatory hitting — come and tell me." tree →
• Both sides took retaliatory measures. tree →

Note

Formal word. Verb: retaliate (hit back). Noun: retaliation. Pronounced "ri-TAL-ee-uh-tree".