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re·tort1  audio  (r-tôrt) KEY 

VERB:
re·tort·ed, re·tort·ing, re·torts
VERB:
tr.
    1. To reply, especially to answer in a quick, caustic, or witty manner. See Synonyms at answer.
    2. To present a counterargument to.
  2. To return in kind; pay back.
VERB:
intr.
  1. To make a reply, especially a quick, caustic, or witty one.
  2. To present a counterargument.
  3. To return like for like; retaliate.
NOUN:
  1. A quick incisive reply, especially one that turns the first speaker's words to his or her own disadvantage.
  2. The act or an instance of retorting.
ETYMOLOGY:
Latin retorqure, retort-, to bend back, retort : re-, re- + torqure, to bend, twist; see terkw- in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
re·torter(Noun)


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