retaliator

7.4

A person who harms someone to get revenge

noun
/rɪˈtæliˌeɪtər/

: vengador

The retaliator struck back after the attack.

Examples

As a retaliator, he was feared by those who had wronged him.
A skilled retaliator knows when to act.
She refused to become a retaliator, choosing forgiveness instead.
The film portrays the hero as a retaliator determined to get justice for his family.
After being wronged by his colleague, he became known as a retaliator who always sought revenge.
The retaliator plotted an elaborate scheme to get back at those who had betrayed him.
In a world where he was often hurt, he instinctively took on the role of a retaliator whenever someone crossed him.

Synonyms

avenger

vsretaliator

138 6.3

A person who hurts others to get revenge

is about taking revenge generally, not necessarily to cause harm

revenger

vsretaliator

1 7.4

A person who tries to harm someone who harmed them

focuses on acting to repay an injury rather than only wanting it

counterpuncher

vsretaliator

1 8.0

A person who answers attacks or criticism quickly and strongly

is about seeking revenge for a wrong rather than quick tactical replies

retributor

vsretaliator

9.4

A person or thing that punishes people for wrong actions

is personal retaliation rather than formal or legal punishment

Antonyms

peacemaker

23 3.7

A person who helps end arguments and makes people agree

forgiver

1 4.6

A person who pardons someone and lets go of anger

How Forceful

retaliator

7.4

counterpuncher

1 8.0

responder

72 3.0

observer

305 2.8

Surface Forms

retaliator singular

retaliators plural

Morphology

retaliator = retaliate (transparent) = retaliate + or

Formed from the verb 'retaliate' with the agentive suffix '-or', so the meaning 'person who retaliates' is directly predictable.

Etymology

The word retaliator comes from Latin parts re- 'back' and tali- 'such', and originally meant 'to give back the same'. So a retaliator is someone who 'pays back' a wrong in the same way.