"Possible retaliation" means that there is a chance or likelihood of someone taking revenge or responding negatively to a situation or action. Full definition
For others, concerns about the second - order effects, including possible retaliation from other nations, is the dominant concern. (businessinsider.com)
Regulators picked products China can get elsewhere when they made a $ 50 billion list including soybeans and small aircraft targeted for possible retaliation in a spiraling technology dispute with Washington. (insurancenewsnet.com)
You need to protect your bystanders from possible retaliation by the bully. (verywellfamily.com)