reciprocate

Etymology

From Latin recīprocō (“to move back and forth”), possibly from a phrase such as reque proque (“back and forth”), from re- (“back”), prō (“forwards”) and -que (“and”). Compare reciprocal.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ɹɪˈsɪpɹəˌkeɪt/

Verb

reciprocate (third-person singular simple present reciprocates, present participle reciprocating, simple past and past participle reciprocated)

1. (transitive) To mutually give and take something; to interchange.
2. (transitive) To give something in response.
3. (intransitive) To move backwards and forwards, like a piston.
   • Dryden

     One brawny smith the puffing bellows plies, / And draws and blows reciprocating air.

4. (intransitive) To counter, retort or retaliate.

Verb

reciprocate

1. second-person plural present indicative of reciprocare
2. second-person plural imperative of reciprocare
3. feminine plural of reciprocato