requite

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   formal: to return or reciprocate a feeling, kindness, or service

   She loved him deeply, but he could not requite her affection.

2. 2
   verb

   formal: to reward or repay someone for a benefit, service, or injury

   The ruler requited the guide's loyal service with a grant of land.

From Middle English requiten, formed from re- ('back, in return') + obsolete quite, a variant of quit. Quite and quit came through Old French quitter, 'release or settle a debt,' ultimately from Latin quietus, 'at rest or free.' The sense developed from settling an obligation to returning a feeling or deed.

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