repercussion

noun

re·​per·​cus·​sion ˌrē-pər-ˈkə-shən 

ˌre-

1

: reflection, reverberation

2

a

: an action or effect given or exerted in return : a reciprocal action or effect

b

: a widespread, indirect, or unforeseen effect of an act, action, or event

—usually used in plural

repercussive

ˌrē-pər-ˈkə-siv 

ˌre-

adjective

Synonyms

• effect
• impact
• influence
• mark
• sway

Examples of repercussion in a Sentence

your decision not to go to college will have repercussions you'll feel for years to come

Recent Examples on the Web

The meeting did not culminate in a decisive agreement on ending drought, which experts warn will have repercussions for generations to come. —Maeve Campbell, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024

While Paul can now move forward without facing legal repercussions, Combs himself is still embroiled in his own legal troubles. —Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 19 Dec. 2024

Compare credit repair options Bottom line While credit card fraud and identity theft are similar, identity theft has much more serious repercussions. —Senitra Horbrook, CNBC, 19 Dec. 2024

His return to Trump's team underscores the former president's willingness to reinstate loyalists who have faced legal repercussions, signaling a potential continuation of contentious political battles in his second term. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin repercussion-, repercussio, from repercutere to drive back, from re- + percutere to beat — more at percussion

First Known Use

1543, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

repercussion

noun

re·​per·​cus·​sion ˌrē-pər-ˈkəsh-ən 

ˌrep-ər-

1

: a return action or effect

2

: a widespread, indirect, or unexpected effect of something said or done

the new policy had repercussions for everyone