retaliative
- adjective
- /rɪˈtæliˌeɪtɪv/
:
retaliatorio
- The country imposed retaliative tariffs after the trade dispute escalated.
Examples
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Some argue that retaliative violence only perpetuates the cycle of conflict.
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The retaliative measures taken by the government were swift.
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His actions were clearly retaliative, intending to settle old scores.
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He felt that his actions were justified as retaliative responses.
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The retaliative strikes were aimed at those responsible for the attack.
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In his speech, he justified his retaliative measures as necessary for national security.
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Many believe that a retaliative approach to the insult only fuels further conflict.
Synonyms
46
7.9
Wanting strongly to hurt someone who hurt you
37
6.9
Wanting to harm someone because they hurt you
19
7.8
A response that hurts someone in return for an earlier attack
2
5.8
Wanting to hurt someone who hurt you
1
8.0
Relating to punishment that aims to give someone what they deserve
Intended as punishment to restore justice after a wrong
Something that punishes or rewards someone for what they did
Antonyms
How Vindictive
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
The word retaliative comes from retaliate, which has the first part re- meaning 'back' and a root that meant 'to pay back', like 'an eye for an eye'. So something retaliative is meant as a 'payback' or a direct response to a wrong.