retortion

noun

re·​tor·​tion

rə̇ˈtȯrshən,

rēˈ-,

-tȯ(ə)sh-

plural -s

1

: an act of retorting : a turning, twisting, bending, or throwing back : reflection

2

obsolete : retort entry 2

3

or retorsion

"

: retaliation

—used chiefly of acts by which an aggrieved state treats the subjects of another state giving provocation in a manner similar to that in which the subjects of the state using retortion are treated by the state giving provocation

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin retortion-, retortio, from Latin retortus (past participle) + -ion-, -io -ion

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