Retaliate
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3
Emotional Response
Retaliate implies a personal reaction to being wronged, often driven by emotions. When insulted, he retaliated with a scathing comeback.
Pro Tip 2/3
Expect Negative Act
The action taken to retaliate is normally viewed as negative and rarely constructive. The company retaliated against the false claims by suing the accuser.
Pro Tip 3/3
Immediate Reaction
Retaliation often suggests an immediate or direct response to some provocation. After the prank, she retaliated by hiding his phone.