reciprocate

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.

• IPA^(key): /ɹɪˈsɪpɹəˌkeɪt/

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

1. (transitive) To exchange two things, with both parties giving one thing and taking another thing.
2. (transitive) To give something else in response (where the "thing" may also be abstract, a feeling or action) To make a reciprocal gift.

   I gave them apples from my tree; they reciprocated with a pie and some apple jelly.

3. (intransitive) To move backwards and forwards, like a piston.

   reciprocating engine

   • Dryden

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

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

reciprocate

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