reprisal
1 of 1noun/rɪˈpraɪzəl/
Forms:reprisals
1
the act of hurting or damaging one's opponent or enemy in retaliation for the hurt or damage they inflicted upon one
- The country launched a military reprisal after the enemy’s surprise invasion.
- The rebels anticipated a reprisal from the government forces following their uprising.
- His harsh remarks were viewed as a reprisal for the criticism he had received.
- The insult was met with a quick reprisal, escalating the argument into a full-blown fight.
- In an act of reprisal, the hackers targeted the rival company’s servers.