Simple Definition of retaliate

from our Learner's Dictionary

retaliate

verb

retaliates; retaliated; retaliating
: to do something bad to someone who has hurt you or treated you badly : to get revenge against someone
After the company announced plans to reduce benefits, the union threatened to retaliate by calling for a strike.

Cite this Entry

“Retaliate.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/retaliate. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.

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