v. re·cip·ro·cat·ed, re·cip·ro·cat·ing, re·cip·ro·cates v.tr. 1. To give or take mutually; interchange: The friends reciprocated favors. 2. To show, feel, or give in response or return: They opened their hearts to her, and she reciprocated their affection. v.intr. 1. To give and take something mutually. 2. To make a return for something given or done. 3. To move back and forth alternately: a power saw that reciprocates. [Latin reciprocāre, reciprocāt-, to move back and forth, from reciprocus, alternating; see RECIPROCAL.] re·cipro·ca′tive adj. re·cipro·ca′tor n. |
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