Basic Details
Word: Retaliate
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To do something harmful to someone because they have done something harmful to you.
Synonyms: Avenge, Reciprocate, Reprisal
Antonyms: Forgive, Pardon, Excuse
Idioms and Phrases
- Retaliate with interest: To get back at someone while also adding something extra to make it more impactful. Example: "He decided to retaliate with interest after being unfairly treated at work."
- Came back to bite: Refers to when someone's actions cause trouble for them later on. Example: "Her decision to retaliate came back to bite her when she found herself in more trouble."
Usage Examples
Example 1: After being teased at school, he thought about how to retaliate wisely instead of acting out.
Example 2: The two rival football teams continued to retaliate against each other throughout the season.
Example 3: Instead of retaliating with anger, she chose to respond with kindness and understanding.
Fun Fact
The word "retaliate" comes from the Latin word "re taliari," which means "to give back." It has been used since the 15th century to describe the act of getting back at someone.
Famous Quote
"An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind." - Mahatma Gandhi
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "retaliate" mean?
a) To forgive someone
b) To get back at someone
c) To help someone
d) To ignore someone
Answer: b) To get back at someone
2. Which of these is a synonym of "retaliate"?
a) Ignore
b) Avenge
c) Help
d) Assist
Answer: b) Avenge
3. Which of these is an antonym of "retaliate"?
a) Attack
b) Forgive
c) Fight
d) Defend
Answer: b) Forgive
4. Which sentence uses "retaliate" correctly?
a) She decided to retaliate by inviting her friend to the party instead.
b) After the argument, he chose not to retaliate and walked away peacefully.
c) He wanted to retaliate his homework before the teacher checks it.
d) They retaliated their music by playing it loudly.
Answer: b) After the argument, he chose not to retaliate and walked away peacefully.
5. What does the idiom "came back to bite" mean?
a) Something good happens
b) When past actions cause trouble later on
c) To ignore someone
d) To help a friend
Answer: b) When past actions cause trouble later on
