# retaliatory

/ɹiˈtæɫjəˌtɔɹi/ (US) · /ɹɪtˈælɪətəɹˌi/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/retaliatory
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

describing an action that is taken to punish someone or get back at them for something they did first.

For teachers: intended as a punishment or revenge for a previous action. Often describes actions taken by a state or group in response to an initial provocation.

## Examples

- The country's response was a retaliatory strike.
- The trade war began when one nation imposed retaliatory tariffs on its neighbor's exports.
- The legal team argued that the company's decision to terminate the contract was a retaliatory move designed to silence the whistleblower rather than a legitimate business decision.

---

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.