retaliation

Retaliation, n.

The act of retaliating, or of returning like for like; retribution; now, specifically, the return of evil for evil; e.g., an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. God . . . takes what is done to others as done to himself, and by promise obloges himself to full retaliation. Calamy.

Syn. -- Requital; reprisal; retribution; punishment.

Shades of meaning

Fernald has no entry of its own for retaliation; he lists it under revenge.

Where he writes about it:

Retaliation and revenge are personal and often bitter. — from revenge

Retaliation may be partial; revenge is meant to be complete, and may be excessive. — from revenge

Synonyms

revenge avenging requital retribution vengeance

Antonyms

compassion excuse forgiveness grace mercy pardon pity reconciliation

etymology Webster’s online