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

The initiative’s repercussions could be widespread. —Jori Finkel, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2025

For the less fortunate stores, however, there is growing concern that any closures could have broad and serious repercussions. —Tovia Smith, NPR, 30 Oct. 2025

The better story won a long time ago and froze into a myth with present-day repercussions. —Elizabeth D. Samet, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2025

Advertisement But unlocking fusion power will have repercussions far beyond powering data centers. —Harry Booth, Time, 29 Oct. 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