Reciprocate

Part of speech: verb

Pronunciation: /ɹɪˈsɪpɹəˌkeɪt/

Definitions

1. To give back in response to an act, creating an exchange To engage in mutual giving that reflects previous actions or sentiments To respond in kind to a gesture, fostering a reciprocal relationship or interaction
2. To respond to an action by performing a similar one in return ; to share or give back feelings or actions mutually between parties
3. To give back something in response to a kindness or behavior received ; to act in a way that matches or balances another's feelings or deeds

Etymology: The verb looks like a plain Latin import, but its core image is physical: a tide or a shuttle going back and forth. Latin "reciprocus" meant "back and forth, alternating," and the verb "recīprocō" meant "to move back and forth." The Latin root behind the whole family is thought to come from a fixed phrase, "reque proque," meaning roughly "back and forth," built from "re-" (back), "prō" (forwards) and "-que" (and). So the modern idea of paying back a kindness began as a description of motion, something swinging to and fro. The English verb took its shape from the Latin participle "recīprocātus," with the familiar "-ate" suffix that turns nouns and adjectives into verbs. The adjective "reciprocal" shares the same Latin base, and the two words developed in parallel, with "reciprocal" describing mutual relations and "reciprocate" describing the act of returning something in kind.

Synonyms: return, recompense, repay, respond, counter

Antonyms: withhold, deny