Requite
Alternative forms
- (archaic) requit
Origin
From Middle English: re- + quite (to clear, pay up)
Full definition of requite
Verb
- To return in kind; To repay; to recompense; to reward.
- 1610, , by William Shakespeare, act 3 scene 3But, remember—For that's my business to you,—that you threeFrom Milan did supplant good Prospero;Expos'd unto the sea, which hath requit it,Him, and his innocent child: for which foul deedThe powers, delaying, not forgetting, haveIncens'd the seas and shores, yea, all the creatures,Against your peace.
- 1925, Franz Kafka, The Trial, Vintage Books (London), pg. 91:He bowed slightly to K.'s uncle, who appeared very flattered to make this new acquaintance, yet, being by nature incapable of expressing obligation, requited the Clerk of the Court's words with a burst of embarrassed but raucous laughter.
- To retaliate.