retaliative
A manager might take retaliative action against an employee who reported a problem.
Adjective: "retaliative" describes something that is intended as an act of retaliation or revenge; relating to or characterized by returning an injury, insult, or wrong.
- (Actions taken in response to the strike, meant as punishment.)
- (A remark made to get back at someone for a previous insult.)
- (Acts of revenge or counterattack in a conflict.)
"retaliative action": a formal response that aims to punish or get even.
- The government warned that any retaliative action would be met with further sanctions. (A response intended to harm in return.)
"retaliative strike": a military or strategic attack in response to an earlier attack.
- The general ordered a retaliative strike after the enemy's surprise assault. (A counterattack meant to avenge the initial attack.)
Retaliate (verb): to make an attack or insult in return for one received.
- If you insult him, he will retaliate. (He will respond with a similar insult.)
Retaliation (noun): the action of returning an injury or wrong.
- The company faced retaliation for firing the whistleblower. (Punishment or revenge for a previous action.)
Retaliatory (adjective): a synonym of "retaliative," meaning relating to or involving retaliation.
- The government imposed retaliatory tariffs on imported goods. (Tariffs imposed in response to another country's trade policies.)
Vengeful: seeking to harm someone in return for a perceived wrong.
- His vengeful outburst surprised everyone. (Showing a desire for revenge.)
Punitive: inflicting or intended as punishment.
- The court imposed punitive damages on the defendant. (Financial penalties meant to punish.)
Get even: to retaliate or take revenge.
- She vowed to get even with her rival. (She promised to retaliate.)
Pay back in kind: to respond to an action with a similar action, often negative.
- He paid her back in kind for the betrayal. (He retaliated with a similar betrayal.)