rə̇ˈtȯrshən, rēˈ-, -tȯ(ə)sh- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Medieval Latin retortion-, retortio, from Latin retortus (past participle) + -ion-, -io -ion
1. : an act of retorting : a turning, twisting, bending, or throwing back : reflection
2. obsolete : retort II
3. or re·tor·sion “ : 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