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Reciprocity, n.

Pronunciation: ˌresəˈpräsədē

Meaning: Reciprocity is the practice of exchanging things with others for mutual benefit. Tit for tat. I scratch your back, you scratch mine. But it’s not a word that exclusively deals with things of a positive benefit. Think an eye for an eye. It could also involve negative or even destructive counter-measures, such as military retaliation to a foreign enemy should that enemy attack another nation-state. The word is tied to the word reciprocal, an adjective that describes something that is mutual, shared, or given in return, such as when two parties respect each other, or two individuals that are fond of each other.

Usage:

• “We’ve just been bombed; we now will unleash Operation Reciprocity.”
• “The trade agreement between our two countries relies on reciprocity to ensure fair exchanges of goods and services.”
• “In healthy relationships, emotional reciprocity helps maintain balance and trust.”