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 team also could pursue smaller deals for players on less-than-max deals to avoid some of the second apron repercussions that team builders are trying to avoid. —Dan Woike, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2024

In pictures: WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange 1 of 24 Far-reaching repercussions Beyond the personal costs for Assange, many had expressed concern about the broader implications for press freedom around the world if he had been sent to the US. —Lauren Said-Moorhouse, CNN, 25 June 2024

The outcome of this election will have economic repercussions for years, and possibly decades, to come. —Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 25 June 2024

Indeed, Quilligan suffered few professional repercussions and he has been honored at the highest level by prestigious medical schools and professional associations. —Emma Peterson and Daniel Martinez Hosang / Made By History, TIME, 20 June 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