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

The economic repercussions of Blair Mountain and the gradual decline of the coal industry are felt to this day. — Elijah Tanall, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 July 2026

The public-shaming impulse has been, at times, a reaction to years of bad behavior—particularly among men accustomed to getting away with a lot and facing very few repercussions. — Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026

Those storylines might seem distinct but they have become intrinsically linked by the emotional and physical repercussions of what happened in Nigeria on December 29. — Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 26 July 2026

In fact, the Yale Budget Lab believes the worst of the global tariff repercussions has already happened. — Laurent Belsie, Christian Science Monitor, 23 July 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
• 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