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
Investigators do not believe there was any return fire, according to Boisvert.
—
Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 8 May 2025
That person is believed to have started shooting, which prompted return fire from others, Cantu said.
—CBS News, 4 May 2025
If deals aren't reached by then, Trump will impose reciprocal tariffs on all America's trading partners, who may return fire with other countermeasures.
—Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
Joey Bada$$, known for his battle-ready pen, didn’t hesitate to return fire.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for return fire
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 8 May 2025
That person is believed to have started shooting, which prompted return fire from others, Cantu said.
—CBS News, 4 May 2025
If deals aren't reached by then, Trump will impose reciprocal tariffs on all America's trading partners, who may return fire with other countermeasures.
—Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
Joey Bada$$, known for his battle-ready pen, didn’t hesitate to return fire.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 14 May 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 12 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share