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

But the repercussions could extend beyond the Homer Glen road widening project, Theodore said. —Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 2 June 2025

This could have repercussions for the hardware Apple releases, too. —David Phelan, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025

However, the prospect of eroding support among reliable Democratic voters in Virginia could have repercussions beyond the state, potentially signaling vulnerability in key battlegrounds for upcoming elections. —Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 May 2025

A certain amount of spoon feeding was needed for the West to understand how does caste function, how does religion function, and what are the repercussions for society and on the way these [characters’] lives have turned out. —Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 22 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