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

But that version of Rubio was much more sensitive to the political repercussions of an immigration crackdown. —Mary Ellen Klas, Mercury News, 12 Apr. 2025

The stunning move may have repercussions on hundreds of other international students who have been targeted by the administration. —Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 11 Apr. 2025

The repercussions of the Manchester City case, whatever the verdict, will inevitably be resounding and damaging one way or the other. —Oliver Kay, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025

The decision came after a high-level meeting in Islamabad, where Sharif and officials reviewed the potential economic repercussions of the U.S. tariffs. —Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 2025

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

Rhymes for repercussion

• belorussian
• byelorussian
• concussion
• discussion
• percussion
• kushan
• russian

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