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
• 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

What were the repercussions of the management break? —Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 21 Aug. 2025

The repercussions extend far beyond direct financial loss. —Shaleen Devgun, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025

In countries with fewer free speech protections, comedians may face more serious repercussions than a stern tweet. —Perin Gürel, The Conversation, 19 Aug. 2025

Donald Trump’s decision to let Nvidia and AMD export AI processors to China in exchange for a cut of their sales will have repercussions far beyond the U.S. The semiconductor supply chain is global, involving a wide array of non-U.S. companies, often based in countries that are U.S. allies. —Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 16 Aug. 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