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 impact on Stake is immediate and has operational repercussions managed by TGP Europe Limited, which oversees the site as part of a white-label agreement. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025

Sega is a huge multi-enterprise corporation with successful titles across various entertainment sectors, so the cancelled release of Football Manager will not have huge repercussions on its overall finances. —Elias Burke, The Athletic, 12 Feb. 2025

The outbreak is having widespread repercussions across numerous industries. —Solcyré Burga, TIME, 11 Feb. 2025

Political repercussions The federal money flowed through the state Department of Education, and the loss of 250 million taxpayer dollars became a political problem for Democratic Gov. Tim Walz. —Pioneer Press, Twin Cities, 9 Feb. 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