retort

verb (1)

re·tort | \ ri-ˈtȯrt

How to pronounce retort (audio)

\

retorted; retorting; retorts

Definition of retort

(Entry 1 of 4)

transitive verb

1 : to pay or hurl back : return retort an insult

2a : to make a reply to

b : to say in reply

3 : to answer (an argument) by a counter argument

intransitive verb

1 : to answer back usually sharply

2 : to return an argument or charge

3 : retaliate

retort

noun (1)

Definition of retort (Entry 2 of 4)

: a quick, witty, or cutting reply especially : one that turns back or counters the first speaker's words

retort

noun (2)

re·tort | \ ri-ˈtȯrt

How to pronounce retort (audio)

, ˈrē-ˌtȯrt \

Definition of retort (Entry 3 of 4)

: a vessel or chamber in which substances are distilled or decomposed by heat

retort

verb (2)

re·tort | \ ri-ˈtȯrt

How to pronounce retort (audio)

, ˈrē-ˌtȯrt \

retorted; retorting; retorts

Definition of retort (Entry 4 of 4)

transitive verb

: to treat (something, such as oil shale) by heating in a retort

Choose the Right Synonym for retort

Noun (1)

answer, response, reply, rejoinder, retort mean something spoken, written, or done in return. answer implies the satisfying of a question, demand, call, or need. had answers to all their questions response may imply a quick or spontaneous reaction to a person or thing that serves as a stimulus. a response to the call for recruits reply often suggests a thorough response to all issues, points, or questions raised. a point-by-point reply to the accusation rejoinder can be a response to a reply or to an objection. a salesman with a quick rejoinder to every argument retort implies a reaction to an implicit or explicit charge, criticism, or attack which contains a countercharge or counterattack. she made a cutting retort to her critics

First Known Use of retort

Verb (1)

circa 1505, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun (1)

1610, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1527, in the meaning defined above

Verb (2)

1850, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for retort

Verb (1)

Latin retortus, past participle of retorquēre, literally, to twist back, hurl back, from re- + torquēre to twist — more at torture entry 1

Noun (2)

Middle French retorte, from Medieval Latin retorta, from Latin, feminine of retortus; from its shape

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Dictionary Entries Near retort

rétorsion de droit

Statistics for retort

Cite this Entry

“Retort.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retort. Accessed 22 Jun. 2021.

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More Definitions for retort

retort

verb

re·tort | \ ri-ˈtȯrt

\

retorted; retorting

Kids Definition of retort

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : to reply usually angrily or sharply

2 : to reply with an argument against When Mom objected to ice cream as unhealthy, I retorted that it contained milk.

retort

noun

Kids Definition of retort (Entry 2 of 2)

: a quick, clever, or angry reply

retort

noun

re·tort | \ ri-ˈtȯ(ə)rt

, ˈrē-ˌ

\

Medical Definition of retort

: a vessel or chamber in which substances are distilled or decomposed by heat

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