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re·tor·tion | \ rə̇ˈtȯrshən, rēˈ-, -tȯ(ə)sh- \
plural -s
Definition of retortion
1 : an act of retorting : a turning, twisting, bending, or throwing back : reflection
3 or retorsion \ " \ : retaliation —used chiefly of acts by which an aggrieved state treats the subjects of another state giving provocation in a manner similar to that in which the subjects of the state using retortion are treated by the state giving provocation
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Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
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