Added 9 October 2026
requite
/ɹɪˈkwaɪt/ verb
verb Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about requite at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
- To repay (a debt owed); specifically, to recompense or reward someone for (a favour, a service rendered, etc.) To repay (someone) a debt owed; specifically, to recompense or reward (someone) for a favour, a service rendered, etc. To respond to or reciprocate (feelings, especially affection or love which has been shown). To do or give a thing in return for (something). To retaliate or seek revenge for (an insult, a wrong, etc.).; to avenge.
- To repay (a debt owed); specifically, to recompense or reward someone for (a favour, a service rendered, etc.)
- To repay (someone) a debt owed; specifically, to recompense or reward (someone) for a favour, a service rendered, etc.
noun
Origin
The verb is derived from Middle English requiten (“to repay”), and then partly from both of the following: * From re- (prefix meaning ‘again; back, backward’) + quiten (“to pay, pay for; to repay; to acquit (someone of a charge), exonerate; to prove (oneself) innocent; to answer, reply; to atone for (a sin); to compensate, make amends; to depart, leave; to equal, match; to fulfil (an obligation); to give back, return; to give up, relinquish; to release, set free; to render (a service); to reward; to give retribution, take revenge”) (from Old French quitter (“to free, liberate”) (modern French quitter), from quitte (“free, liberated”) + -er (suffix forming verbs)).
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)