retortion

noun re·tor·tion \ rə̇ˈtȯrshən , rēˈ- , -tȯ(ə)sh- \

Definition of retortion

plural -s

1 : an act of retorting : a turning, twisting, bending, or throwing back : reflection

2 obsolete : ²retort

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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