retortion noun. [rɪ'tɔ:ʃ(ǝ)n] L16.
[from RETORT verb¹; perh. infl. in sense 1 by contortion: see -ION.]
1. The action or fact of bending or turning backwards; an instance of this. L16.

2. The turning back of an argument against its originator; a sharp reply, a retort. E17-M18.

3. Return for something done; retaliation. Now spec. in International Law, (a) retaliation by a State against subjects of another. M17.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲