reprisal

noun

re·​pri·​sal ri-ˈprī-zəl 

1

: a retaliatory act

2

: the regaining of something (as by recapture)

3

: something (such as a sum of money) given or paid in restitution

—usually used in plural

4

a

: the act or practice in international law of resorting to force short of war in retaliation for damage or loss suffered

b

: an instance of such action

5

obsolete : prize

Synonyms

• compensation
• damages
• indemnification
• indemnity
• quittance
• recompense
• recoupment
• redress
• remuneration
• reparation
• requital
• restitution
• satisfaction

Examples of reprisal in a Sentence

Enemy officers suffered harsh reprisals.

The allies threatened economic reprisals against the invading country.

The hostages were taken in reprisal for the bombing.

Recent Examples on the Web

The insurgents have appeared disciplined, working to maintain order, with no sign of reprisals. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024

Paramount+ has set January 24, 2025 for the premiere of its upcoming movie Star Trek: Section 31, starring Michelle Yeoh in a reprisal of her Star Trek: Discovery role as Emperor Philippa Georgiou. —Denise Petski, Deadline, 7 Dec. 2024

In Aleppo, which the rebels captured a week ago, there have not been reports of reprisals. —Suleiman Al-Khalidi and Timour Azhari, USA TODAY, 7 Dec. 2024

There were fears of reprisals from the far-right factions at the center of the film. —Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English reprisail, from Anglo-French reprisaile, from Medieval Latin represalia, from Old Italian rappresaglia, ultimately from ripreso, past participle of riprendere to take back, from ri- re- (from Latin re-) + prendere to take, from Latin prehendere — more at get

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4a

Kids Definition

reprisal

noun

re·​pri·​sal ri-ˈprī-zəl 

1

: the use of force short of war by one nation against another in return for damage or loss suffered

economic reprisals

2

: an act of getting back at especially in war

Legal Definition

reprisal

noun

re·​pri·​sal ri-ˈprī-zəl 

1

a

: the act or practice in international law of resorting to force short of war in retaliation for damage or loss suffered

b

: an instance of such action

2

: a retaliatory act

may not fire a complaining employee in reprisal

Etymology

Anglo-French reprisaile, reprisaille, from Middle French, from Old Italian ripresaglia, from ripreso, past participle of riprendere to take back, from ri- back + prendere to take, from Latin prehendere