[re.cip.ro.cate] vb -cat.ed ; -cat.ing vt (1607) 1: to give and take mutually
2: to return in kind or degree "~ a compliment gracefully" ~ vi 1: to make a return for something "we hope to ~ for your kindness"
2: to move forward and backward alternately "a reciprocating valve" -- re.cip.ro.ca.tor n syn reciprocate, retaliate, requite, return mean to give back usu. in kind or in quantity. reciprocate implies a mutual or equivalent exchange or a paying back of what one has received "reciprocated their hospitality by inviting them for a visit". retaliate usu. implies a paying back of injury in exact kind, often vengefully "the enemy retaliated by executing their prisoners". requite implies a paying back according to one's preference and often not equivalently "requited her love with cold indifference". return implies a paying or giving back "returned their call" "return good for evil".