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

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!