retaliate meaning and definition

RETALIATE verb

Definition of retaliate (verb)

1. take revenge for a perceived wrong
   • "He wants to avenge the murder of his brother"
   • synonyms: avenge, revenge
2. make a counterattack and return like for like, especially evil for evil
   • "The Empire strikes back"; "The Giants struck back and won the opener"; "The Israeli army retaliated for the Hamas bombing"
   • synonyms: strike back