Retaliation refers to the act of responding to an action, often perceived as harmful or unfair, with a counteraction. This can occur in various contexts, such as personal relationships, workplaces, or even international relations. The goal of retaliation is typically to seek justice or to deter further negative behavior. In the workplace, for example, retaliation may happen when an employee faces negative consequences for reporting misconduct or discrimination. Laws, such as those enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, protect individuals from retaliation, ensuring they can speak out without fear of losing their job or facing other penalties.