SINCE 1828
retortion
noun
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 unabridged
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