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

However, as the regulations began to pile up and business saw the repercussion of the actions, a green pushback began. —Jon McGowan, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024

As Reasonable Doubt continues to unfold, Eboni’s character displays her struggle with addiction and the repercussions of her past. —Shelby Stewart, Essence, 15 Oct. 2024

Emirates Airline President Tim Clark, whose initial order for 150 jets helped launch the world’s largest twin-engine jet more than a decade ago, hinted at commercial repercussions. —Reuters, NBC News, 15 Oct. 2024

Speaking in a recent interview with Us Weekly, the Organized Crime star pointed to a particularly fraught moment within the grisly crime procedural’s world — and one that would have repercussions for his character Elliot Stabler and Hargitay’s Benson for seasons to come. —Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 13 Oct. 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