# retaliation

/ɹiˌtæɫiˈeɪʃən/ (US) · /ɹɪtˌælɪˈeɪʃən/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/retaliation
Updated: 2026-05-05

## Definition

an action taken to punish someone for a wrong or injury. It is often a response to a previous attack or unfair treatment.

For teachers: 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.