tr.v. re·quit·ed, re·quit·ing, re·quites 1. a. To make return for (something done or felt) in a similar or appropriate fashion: "Pearl felt the sentiment, and requited it with the bitterest hatred that can be supposed to rankle in a childish bosom" (Nathaniel Hawthorne). b. To avenge (an insult or wrongdoing). 2. a. To respond to (another) or do something to or for (another) in return for that person's action or emotion: "If he love me to madness, I shall never requite him" (Shakespeare). b. To get revenge on (another) for wrongdoing. [Middle English requiten : re-, re- + quiten, to pay; see QUIT.] re·quita·ble adj. re·quiter n. |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.