Main Entry:

re·cip·ro·cate

Pronunciation:

\ri-ˈsi-prə-ˌkāt\

Function:

verb

Inflected Form(s):

re·cip·ro·cat·ed; re·cip·ro·cat·ing

Date:

1607

transitive verb 1 : to give and take mutually 2 : to return in kind or degree <reciprocate a compliment gracefully> intransitive verb 1 : to make a return for something <we hope to reciprocate for your kindness> 2 : to move forward and backward alternately <a reciprocating valve>

— re·cip·ro·ca·tor \-ˌkā-tər\ noun

synonyms reciprocate, retaliate, requite, return mean to give back usually in kind or in quantity. reciprocate implies a mutual or equivalent exchange or a paying back of what one has received <reciprocated their hospitality by inviting them for a visit>. retaliate usually implies a paying back of injury in exact kind, often vengefully <the enemy retaliated by executing their prisoners>. requite implies a paying back according to one's preference and often not equivalently <requited her love with cold indifference>. return implies a paying or giving back <returned their call> <return good for evil>.