retaliation

Definitions

The act of returning a military attack or injury in kind.

The action of harming someone in response to a perceived wrong or injury.

Examples

The company fired the employee in retaliation for reporting safety violations.

He feared that any move he made would provoke a swift retaliation from his rivals.

Synonyms

revenge reprisal vengeance counterattack payback retribution quittance

Antonyms

forgiveness pardon clemency absolution mercy conciliation reconciliation