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 of repercussion

• effect
• influence
• impact

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

Among the apparent repercussions was director Nadav Lapid’s departure this spring from the Marseilles International Film Festival. — Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 13 July 2026

Clashes flared only to be tamped out; repercussions were softened, often comedically, as an outsider crashed the debate. — Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 9 July 2026

Of course, entrusting waste management to gangsters and racketeers has repercussions. — Literary Hub, 8 July 2026

Questions remain about how long the cleanup process will take, and what long-term repercussions there may be from the resulting air pollution. — Jasmine Mendez follow, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026

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
• 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