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

America’s largest trade partner, the European Union, is among the entities awaiting word Monday on whether U.S. President Donald Trump will impose punishing tariffs on their goods, a move economists have warned would have repercussions for companies and consumers on both sides of the Atlantic. —South Florida Sun Sentinel, Sun Sentinel, 7 July 2025

The European Union expects to find out on Monday whether President Donald Trump will impose punishing tariffs on America’s largest trade partner in a move economists have warned would have repercussions for companies and consumers on both sides of the Atlantic. —Preston Fore, Fortune, 7 July 2025

The corporate naming rights switch from the Wild’s Xcel Energy Center to Grand Casino Mille Lacs, first reported to happen by the Pioneer Press in May, could have repercussions for downtown St. Paul. —Charley Walters, Twin Cities, 5 July 2025

And, then, Jessica Winter on the repercussions of the Supreme Court’s latest Planned Parenthood decision. —The New Yorker, New Yorker, 3 July 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