N-VAR 报复(行为) If you do something to a person in reprisal, you hurt or punish them because they have done something violent or unpleasant to you. 报复(行为)
There were fears that some of the Western hostages might be killed in reprisal.
有人担心一些西方人质可能会受到报复性杀害。
Witnesses are unwilling to testify through fear of reprisals.