Requiten

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To return a kindness or an injury in kind by repaying someone for what they have done
2. To give back equal treatment to another person, whether as reward for good deeds or retribution for harm
3. To make a fitting return for an act done by someone, rewarding favours or avenging wrongs alike

Etymology: Requite began as a debt word. Old French "quiter" meant to set free or discharge an obligation. It descends from Medieval Latin "quietare," from Latin "quietus," meaning quiet or at rest. To pay a debt was to leave the creditor at peace. English built the verb by adding the prefix "re-" to "quit" in that older sense of settling a debt, so "requite" meant to repay. The meaning then widened from money to any return for a service, favour, or injury. It now most often describes repaying someone's kindness or wrong in kind.

Synonyms: repay, reciprocate, return