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

Federal Reserve officials on Monday said the Moody's downgrade could have repercussions for the U.S. economy by raising the cost of capital. —Davide Barbuscia, USA Today, 22 May 2025

Elections have consequences, and not participating in elections has very damaging and longterm repercussions. —Donte L. Hickman, Baltimore Sun, 21 May 2025

The ruling might have major repercussions for hundreds of thousands of other people. —Armando Garcia, ABC News, 19 May 2025

At the end of April, General Motors withdrew its previous guidance on future earnings and revenue, owing to the tariff issue and its repercussions. —Niall Stanage, The Hill, 16 May 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