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

Cuts to city employees should alarm all residents and will cause repercussions for the community, Martin said. —Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 26 Feb. 2026

If every controversy leads to institutional repercussions, discourse gives way to control. —Leo Barraclough, Variety, 25 Feb. 2026

Another issue is labor trafficking, which may involve people working for free or for little money and being threatened with immigration repercussions or other threats, according to Perez. —Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 25 Feb. 2026

But no new repercussions for Moscow appear imminent, even as the latest trilateral talks in Geneva ended after two hours with no public progress. —Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 24 Feb. 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
• 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