repercussion

noun

re·​per·​cus·​sion ˌrē-pər-ˈkə-shən How to pronounce repercussion (audio)
ˌre-
1
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 adjective

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 In an address on the Senate floor Wednesday, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., warned about repercussions if Americans don’t condemn anti-semitism. Bridget Bowman, NBC News, 30 Nov. 2023 The urgency to act is paramount, as the repercussions of inaction extend beyond business performance, influencing societal well-being. Tirtha Chavan, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2023 Those facts, as well as the repercussions of the Iran hostage crisis, left him with a 21% approval rating. M.l. Nestel, ABC News, 19 Nov. 2023 But Nixon was fascinated by the anarchic Lord of the Flies world of young hackers building an entire cyberattack industry, seemingly with no repercussions or even notice from law enforcement. Andy Greenberg, WIRED, 14 Nov. 2023 Yet for many residents, the repercussions have felt less catastrophic and more like just another Los Angeles annoyance. Corina Knoll, New York Times, 14 Nov. 2023 Yet outside states must recognize that increasing tensions between Iran and Israel are a serious long-term threat with global repercussions. Mohammad Ayatollahi Tabaar, Foreign Affairs, 1 Nov. 2023 Wealthy Americans are holding off on booking trips to Paris as the war in the Middle East and its wider repercussions dent demand for tourism. Angelina Rascouet, Fortune Europe, 18 Nov. 2023 These intraparty divisions could produce seismic electoral repercussions. Geoffrey Skelley, ABC News, 17 Nov. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'repercussion.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of repercussion was in 1543

Dictionary Entries Near repercussion

Cite this Entry

“Repercussion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/repercussion. Accessed 8 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

repercussion

noun
re·​per·​cus·​sion ˌrē-pər-ˈkəsh-ən How to pronounce repercussion (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on repercussion

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