Retaliatory

Pronunciation: /rɪˈtæliəˌtɔri/

Definitions of retaliatory

adjective describing an action or behavior that is done in response to a perceived injury or offense

Example Sentences

A1 He made a retaliatory comment after being insulted.

A2 The country issued a retaliatory response to the trade sanctions.

B1 The company implemented retaliatory measures against the competitor's unfair practices.

B2 The government warned of possible retaliatory actions if the ceasefire was broken.

C1 The retaliatory strikes were carried out in response to the enemy's aggression.

C2 The retaliatory policies enacted by the administration were met with mixed reactions from the public.

Examples of retaliatory in a Sentence

formal The country implemented retaliatory tariffs in response to the trade dispute.

informal She gave him a retaliatory look after he made a snide comment.

slang He threw a retaliatory punch after being pushed in the schoolyard.

figurative Her words were like a retaliatory strike, hitting back at his criticism with force.

Grammatical Forms of retaliatory

• past tense: retaliated
• plural: retaliatories
• comparative: more retaliatory
• superlative: most retaliatory
• present tense: retaliates
• future tense: will retaliate
• perfect tense: have retaliated
• continuous tense: is retaliating
• singular: retaliatory
• positive degree: retaliatory
• infinitive: to retaliate
• gerund: retaliating
• participle: retaliating

Origin and Evolution of retaliatory

First Known Use: 1601 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'retaliatory' originates from the Latin word 'retaliare' which means to return like for like.

Evolution of the word: Originally used to describe actions taken in response to a perceived injury or offense, the word 'retaliatory' has evolved to encompass a broader range of retaliatory actions in various contexts such as legal, political, and social retaliation.