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 repercussion of this trade on the wild cheetah population and ecosystem is huge. —Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024

This election will have far-reaching repercussions at the federal, state and local level. —Adam Tamburin, Axios, 31 Oct. 2024

The repercussions of Reaction Engines going under are widespread. —David Szondy, New Atlas, 31 Oct. 2024

The repercussions from the car bomb that closed out The Diplomat‘s first season proved deadly for a beloved member of the Netflix drama’s cast. —Michael Ausiello, TVLine, 31 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