Word
retaliation
Phoneticsre·tal·i·a·tion, stress on the fourth syllable
US/ɹiˌtæɫiˈeɪʃən/
UK/ɹɪtˌælɪˈeɪʃən/
Countable & uncountable
Definition
n. an action taken to punish someone for a wrong or injury. It is often a response to a previous attack or unfair treatment.
n. the act of inflicting harm or punishment in response to an injury or offense. Uncountable in abstract usage; countable when referring to specific acts of reprisal.
Examples
“The country promised swift retaliation for the attack.”
“The company launched a legal retaliation after the competitor stole their trade secrets.”
“In international relations, the threat of nuclear retaliation serves as a deterrent against direct military conflict between superpowers.”
Examples
simple
“The country promised swift retaliation for the attack.”
contextual
“The company launched a legal retaliation after the competitor stole their trade secrets.”
complex
“In international relations, the threat of nuclear retaliation serves as a deterrent against direct military conflict between superpowers.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “retaliation” in context.
Real-World Examples
“But he did plan the shooting in retaliation of the beating of his nephew,” Palal said.” “The person, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to concerns about retaliation, said that their relative confirmed sailors had attempted to jump from the ship.” Etymology
From retaliate + -ion.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/retaliation