verb
requite
rih-KWYTE/rɪˈkwaɪt/
Respond to someone's feelings or actions with something similar.
The younger hiker requites the earlier help by assisting his companion over another ledge.
Etymology
The ‘back’ and ‘pay up’ analysis may reflect an English formation, though a French source is also possible. Repaying an obligation extends to returning a deed or feeling, for good or ill.
In context
so long as it is good to eat, and I’ll be obliged to him, and will requite him some day.
More examples
- He loves her deeply, but she never requites his love.
- They requited our hospitality with an invitation to their home.
- She refuses to requite cruelty with cruelty.
Forms
requite · requites · requited · requiting
requital noun — A return for kindness, love, or injury.
Similar words
- reciprocate
- Emphasizes returning the same feeling or kind of action.
- repay
- Often concerns money owed, but also favors or kindness.
- retaliate
- Specifically means responding to harm with harm in return.