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 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

IndieWire learned of the sentencing from a release by Mansour Jahani, an independent film journalist based in Tehran who has regularly covered the legal repercussions Panahi has faced. — J. Kim Murphy, IndieWire, 27 Oct. 2026

Songwriters and producers are often wary of bringing forward copyright claims against big stars, for fear of professional repercussions, says Kevin Greene, a copyright scholar and professor of law. — Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 27 Oct. 2026

The outcome of Sunday’s vote will have repercussions far beyond Brazil. — Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026

Meanwhile, hundreds of students and faculty members who participated in pro-Palestinian protests had already been slapped with legal and academic repercussions amid a crackdown on the movement. — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 25 Oct. 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