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

Plus, the brothers have killed Nakamura, a member of a prominent Japanese crime family, which Soto hints could lead to repercussions. —Brent Lang, Variety, 5 Feb. 2026

What are the potential long-term repercussions of competing in a knee-heavy race with a torn ACL? —Korin Miller, SELF, 3 Feb. 2026

An arbitration hearing that could have massive repercussions for the future of Major League Baseball player pay is set for Wednesday in Arizona, league sources told The Athletic. —Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 2 Feb. 2026

Not wishing to linger on the emotional repercussions of these hurtful incidents is understandable, of course. —Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 29 Jan. 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