Pronunciation: [ɹɪtˈalɪətəɹˌi] (IPA) 
The word "retaliatory" is spelled with four syllables: re-tal-i-a-tory. The first syllable is pronounced as "ree" with a long 'e' sound, followed by "tal" pronounced as 'tal' with a short 'a' sound, then "i-a" which is pronounced as 'ee-uh' and finally "tory" with a long 'o' sound. The phonetic transcription for this word is /rɪˈtæliətɔːri/. This adjective describes an act of revenge or tit-for-tat kind of behavior.
The adjective "retaliatory" refers to an act or behavior characterized by seeking revenge or payback in response to a perceived offense, injury, or harm. It is derived from the noun "retaliate," which means to respond to an action, typically negative or harmful, with a corresponding action designed to punish or injure the perpetrator.
When applied to actions, policies, or measures, "retaliatory" describes those that are taken as a direct response to an initial provocation, with the intent to inflict similar harm, inconvenience, or damage. Such actions are often motivated by a strong sense of injustice, seeking retribution or asserting power and dominance. Retaliatory measures can take various forms, including economic sanctions, military strikes, legal actions, or personal vendettas.
A notable aspect of retaliatory behavior is the notion of a tit-for-tat approach, where the retaliation mirrors the nature or magnitude of the original offense. However, retaliatory actions are not limited to being justified or proportionate responses, as they may also be fueled by emotions, impulsivity, or a desire to restore one's perceived honor or reputation.
In legal contexts, "retaliatory" is commonly associated with the concept of retaliation or revenge as a punishable offense. Organized societies and legal systems discourage and often penalize retaliatory acts, advocating for resolution through peaceful means, dialogue, or impartial arbitration.
Overall, the term "retaliatory" refers to actions or behaviors that seek to repay an injury or offense with similar or heightened aggression, often driven by a sense of retribution, self-defense, or the restoration of balance.
Returning like for like.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "retaliatory" derives from the verb "retaliate" which comes from the Latin word "retaliare". In Latin, "retaliare" means "to return like for like" or "to take revenge in kind". The term is a compound of the prefix "re-" meaning "again" or "back" and the verb "taliare" meaning "to cut" or "to notch". Therefore, the etymology of "retaliatory" suggests the concept of repaying or responding to an action in a similar manner.
