Skip to content

reciprocate

verb

  1. respond to (a gesture or action) by making a corresponding one
  2. alternate the direction of motion of (like a piston)
L2757 on Wikidata ↗

Wiktionary

Pronunciation: /ɹɪˈsɪpɹəˌkeɪt/

verb

Etymology: From Latin recīprocātus, perfect passive participle of recīprocō (“to move back and forth”) (see -ate (verb-forming suffix)), from reciprocus (“back an forth, reciprocal, alternating”) + -ō (first conjugation verb-forming suffix), itself possibly from a phrase such as reque proque (“back and forth”), from re- (“back”), prō (“forwards”) and -que (“and”). See also reciprocal. Compare French réciproquer.

  1. To exchange two things, with both parties giving one thing and taking another thing.

    The USTR isn't reciprocating actual tariffs. It's just placing the biggest tariffs on the countries running the biggest trade surpluses.

  2. To give something else in response (where the "thing" may also be abstract, a feeling or action) To make a reciprocal gift.

    I gave them apples from my tree; they reciprocated with a pie and some apple jelly.

    Nugget appreciates the generosity! Nugget will reciprocate with a Monstermon card!

  3. To move backwards and forwards, like a piston.

    a reciprocating engine

    One brawny smith the puffing bellows plies, / And draws and blows reciprocating air.

  4. To counter, retort or retaliate.