return fire
noun
: the firing of a weapon to counter a shooter's shot
The suspect started shooting and was wounded by the return fire of the police.
Examples of return fire in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Joey Bada$$, known for his battle-ready pen, didn’t hesitate to return fire.
—
Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 14 May 2025
As countries move to negotiate ways to mitigate the new U.S. tariffs, several major trading partners plan to return fire.
China, slammed with an average tariff rate of 54%, has vowed to retaliate, while European leaders have condemned the tariffs and are preparing countermeasures.
—William Gavin, Quartz, 3 Apr. 2025
Branch Davidians fired as many as 200 rounds at the agents in response; the FBI maintained agents did not return fire.
—Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025
Deputy May, to his great personal credit and courage, was able to draw his firearm and return fire.
—Mark Price, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for return fire
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Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 14 May 2025
As countries move to negotiate ways to mitigate the new U.S. tariffs, several major trading partners plan to return fire.
China, slammed with an average tariff rate of 54%, has vowed to retaliate, while European leaders have condemned the tariffs and are preparing countermeasures.
—William Gavin, Quartz, 3 Apr. 2025
Branch Davidians fired as many as 200 rounds at the agents in response; the FBI maintained agents did not return fire.
—Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025
Deputy May, to his great personal credit and courage, was able to draw his firearm and return fire.
—Mark Price, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for return fire
Cite this Entry
“Return fire.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/return%20fire. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
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