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Vocabulary Builder — Essay & Answer Writing

Retaliatory

adjective / rih-TAL-ee-uh-tor-ee / Medium
Meaning

Characterised by returning an attack or injury in kind; done as an act of revenge or reprisal

Origin / Etymology

Latin retaliare — re (back) + talis (such, of such a kind)

Synonyms
Punitive Reciprocal Vengeful
Antonyms
Conciliatory Forgiving Preemptive
Example Sentence
"Iran's retaliatory blockade of the Strait of Hormuz following Operation Epic Fury has sent Brent crude surging past $120 per barrel."
🎯 UPSC Usage

Use in GS2 IR answers on conflict escalation, trade wars, and diplomatic standoffs — 'retaliatory tariffs,' 'retaliatory strikes,' or 'retaliatory sanctions.'

Relevant Subjects
International Relations Security Defence
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