retaliate

Verb

• take revenge for a perceived wrong
• make a counterattack and return like for like, especially evil for evil
  • "The Israeli army retaliated for the Hamas bombing"
• To do something harmful or negative to get revenge for some harm; to fight back or respond in kind to an injury or affront.
• To repay or requite by an act of the same kind.

Examples

• John insulted Peter to retaliate for Peter's acid remark earlier.
• Many companies have policies in place to prevent bosses from retaliating against allegations of harassment.

Synonyms

avenge, revenge, strike back