noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb
retaliation; revenge; reprisal
General term for striking back in response to a perceived wrong, used in personal, political, and military contexts. Often implies a proportional or tit-for-tat response.
彼は侮辱に対して報復した。
He retaliated against the insult.
テロへの報
Airstrikes were carried out in retaliation for the terrorism.
noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb
retorsion; retortion
Legal term for a lawful retaliatory act by one state against another, such as trade restrictions or diplomatic measures, in response to an unfriendly but not illegal act.
国際法上の報復として、大使を召還した。
As a retorsion under international law, they recalled the ambassador.