retaliation against

USAGE SUMMARY

'retaliation against' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe the act of taking revenge or repaying an action with a similar action. For example, "The government took retaliatory measures against the group that committed the terrorist attack."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Snow leopards are often killed in retaliation against livestock depredation.

Biological Conservation

Fears of retaliation against immigrants followed.

The New York Times

Anonymous encouraged retaliation against PayPal, rallying supporters on Twitter.

The New York Times - Tech

Secret police officials even threatened retaliation against her children.

The New York Times

The complaint also described police retaliation against the commission.

The New York Times

Beckham was sent off for retaliation against Diego Simeone.

The Guardian - Sport

Does it expose them to retaliation against their leaders?

The New York Times

The 1998 law threatens retaliation against overzealous agents.

The New York Times

This last point is illustrated in Maya's retaliation against Jared.

The New York Times

Libya's Defense Ministry threatened swift retaliation against any outside attack.

The Washington Post

Information about reporting suspected policy non-compliance and about policies prohibiting retaliation against report claimants.

University of Pennsylvania

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "retaliation against", ensure the context clearly establishes the initial action that prompted the response. For example, "The company faced severe public backlash and threats of "retaliation against" its products after the controversial advertisement."

Common error

Avoid using "retaliation against" when a simple response or defense is more appropriate. "Retaliation" implies a punitive action, not just a reaction. "The company issued a statement in response to the allegations", is more appropriate than "The company issued a statement in "retaliation against" the allegations", if the statement is just a clarification.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "retaliation against" functions primarily as a noun phrase that describes an action taken in response to an earlier perceived wrong or attack. Ludwig examples show it used in both concrete and abstract contexts, from military actions to workplace disputes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "retaliation against" is a common phrase used to describe a response to a perceived wrong, often with a punitive or defensive intention. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various domains like News & Media, Academia, and Science. While the phrase is generally neutral, its formality can shift based on context. Related phrases offer alternative ways to express similar concepts, with varying degrees of intensity and focus. When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure the context clearly establishes the initial action and to avoid using it when a simple response is more appropriate. The phrase is useful for clarifying motivations behind actions, particularly in the political, legal, and business sphere.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

revenge against

Focuses specifically on inflicting harm in return for a perceived wrong.

reprisals against

Implies a military or political action taken in response to an enemy's act.

counterattack against

Suggests a direct and immediate response to an attack.

response against

A more general term for any kind of reaction, not necessarily violent.

counter measures against

Emphasizes actions taken to prevent or neutralize a threat.

retribution for

Highlights the act of punishing someone for their actions.

vengeance upon

Implies a strong desire for revenge and a forceful act of retribution.

payback for

An informal term for getting even with someone.

sanctions against

Refers to economic or political penalties imposed on a country or group.

reciprocal action toward

Highlights an action that mirrors a previous action.

FAQs

How is "retaliation against" used in legal contexts?

In legal settings, "retaliation against" often refers to actions taken against someone for reporting illegal activities or discrimination. These actions are usually prohibited by law. For instance, there are laws prohibiting "retaliation against whistleblowers".

What are some synonyms for "retaliation against" in a political context?

In political scenarios, alternatives to "retaliation against" can include terms like "reprisals against", "sanctions against", or "countermeasures against", depending on the specific nature of the political actions taken.

Is "retaliation against" always a negative action?

While "retaliation against" typically carries a negative connotation, as it involves a response to a perceived wrong, it can be viewed as justified depending on the initial action. However, it's crucial to consider the ethical and legal implications, especially in cases of "retaliation against employees" or vulnerable groups.

How does "retaliation against" differ from "revenge against"?

"Retaliation against" generally implies a more measured and proportional response, often with a sense of justice or righting a wrong. "Revenge against", on the other hand, suggests a more personal, emotional, and potentially disproportionate act of harm.