retaliate

 
Pronunciation: /rɪˈtalɪeɪt/

verb

[no object]
  • make an attack in return for a similar attack: the blow stung and she retaliated immediately
  • [with object] archaic repay (an injury or insult) in kind: they used their abilities to retaliate the injury

Derivatives

retaliative

Pronunciation: /-ˈtaljətɪv/
adjective

retaliator

noun

retaliatory

Pronunciation: /-ˈtaljət(ə)ri/
adjective

Origin:

early 17th century: from Latin retaliat- 'returned in kind', from the verb retaliare, from re- 'back' + talis 'such'

Spelling help

There is only one l in retaliate and the related word retaliation.