retribution — requital according to merits or deserts, especially for evil.
what for — the true nature or identity of something, or the sum of its characteristics: a lecture on the whats and hows of crop rotation.
counterplay — a positive or aggressive action by the defending side, esp in chess
vengeance — infliction of injury, harm, humiliation, or the like, on a person by another who has been harmed by that person; violent revenge: But have you the right to vengeance?
ruthless — without pity or compassion; cruel; merciless: a ruthless tyrant.
counterinsurgency — action taken by a government to counter the activities of rebels, guerrillas, etc
revanche — the policy of a state intent on regaining areas of its original territory that have been lost to other states as a result of war, a treaty signed under duress, etc.
reprisal — (in warfare) retaliation against an enemy, for injuries received, by the infliction of equal or greater injuries.
revenge — to exact punishment or expiation for a wrong on behalf of, especially in a resentful or vindictive spirit: He revenged his murdered brother.
avengement — (rare) The inflicting of retributive punishment; satisfaction taken.
