報復(ほうふく)

ほうふく
noun, suru verb
retaliation; revenge; reprisal
1. retaliation; revenge; reprisal
An act of striking back in response to an attack, insult, or injury. Used in both personal and political/military contexts.
報復(ほうふく)攻撃(こうげき)が始(はじ)まった。
Retaliatory attacks have begun.
報復(ほうふく)を恐(おそ)れて通報(つうほう)できなかった。
I couldn't report it out of fear of retaliation.
報復(ほうふく)の連鎖(れんさ)を断(た)ち切(き)るためには、対話(たいわ)が必要(ひつよう)だ。
Dialogue is necessary to break the chain of retaliation.

A formal word frequently used in news reporting, international relations, and legal contexts.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 報復(ほうふく)攻撃(こうげき) (retaliatory attack)
  • 報復(ほうふく)措置(そち) (retaliatory measures)
  • 報復(ほうふく)を恐(おそ)れる (to fear retaliation)
  • 報復(ほうふく)の連鎖(れんさ) (chain of retaliation)
  • 報復(ほうふく)関税(かんぜい) (retaliatory tariffs)

USAGE NOTE:
More formal than 仕返(しかえ)し, which is used in everyday and personal contexts. 報復(ほうふく) carries a heavier, more serious tone and is appropriate for geopolitical, military, and legal discourse.

general
Added 2026.3.3 21:50
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