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

Permanently doing so could cost taxpayers $335 billion over the next decade, but not acting could cause financial pain for policyholders and pose political repercussions for lawmakers. —Julie Appleby, Miami Herald, 13 Aug. 2025

The Statesman is not naming the husband because Hicks said his husband fears repercussions for his case. —Idaho Statesman, 11 Aug. 2025

The repercussions of this decision will serve only to diminish the resiliency of the United States, and the world, to infectious disease threats. —Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Aug. 2025

Such a partisan change may have significant repercussions in Washington, where House Republicans are entering a challenging midterm landscape with a razor-thin majority. —Jade Walker, CNN Money, 4 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