to say (something) in reply or as a counter argument
‘I want the blacksmith.’ ‘And pray what might you be wanting with him?’ retorted my sister, quick to resent his being wanted at all — Dickens
archaic to return (e.g. an argument or insult) in kind
to answer back sharply or tersely
[Latin retortus, past part. of retorquēre to twist back, hurl back, from re- + torquēre to twist]