repercussion

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noun re·per·cus·sion \ ˌrē-pər-ˈkə-shən , ˌre- \

Definition of repercussion

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

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repercussive

play \-ˈkə-siv\ adjective

See repercussion defined for English-language learners

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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 of repercussion from the Web

Ms. Pittman said jurors had considered suggestions by the defense that Mr. Shkreli had not been fully aware of his own actions and their repercussions.

— stephanie clifford and colin moynihan, New York Times, "Martin Shkreli Was ‘His Own Worst Enemy,’ Juror Says," 21 Aug. 2017
Unfortunately, North Korea has taken the goodies, used them to support its military (rather than its people), and then continued its nuclear program without repercussions.

— Cincinnati.com, "Column: It’s time to fix North Korea problem," 15 Aug. 2017
As ISIS continues to lose ground in Iraq and Syria, analysts say that the siege of Marawi has emboldened and excited jihadists across southeast Asia, including in Indonesia, and will have long-term repercussions for extremism in the region.

— ana p. santos, The Atlantic, "How Two Brothers Took Over a Filipino City for ISIS," 12 Aug. 2017
A look at the Russian-U.S. spat and its potential repercussions.

— vladimir isachenkov, The Seattle Times, "US-Russia ties at new low with expulsions of diplomats," 31 July 2017
A look at the Russian-U.S. spat and its potential repercussions.

— Washington Post, "US-Russia ties at new low with expulsions of diplomats," 31 July 2017
A committed right-wing ideologue who plans to retire at the end of his term, Johnson has no reason to fear the repercussions of throwing his constituencies off their insurance.

— jonathan chait, Daily Intelligencer, "Senators Figure Out McConnell Is Lying To Them About Trumpcare," 17 July 2017
The president’s son may also face repercussions for potentially violating a federal regulation barring federal, state and local campaigns from accepting things of value from foreign nationals.

— andrew m harris, Bloomberg.com, "Donald Trump Jr.'s Russia Meeting Creates More Legal Jeopardy," 12 July 2017
Ticket repercussionsSome Texas counties, such as Dallas, flag motorists with unpaid red light tickets and block their vehicle registrations until the fines are paid, but that is not the case in Tarrant County.

— anna m. tinsley, star-telegram.com, "Frustrated with red light cameras in Texas? You’re not alone.," 3 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'repercussion.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of repercussion

Latin repercussion-, repercussio, from repercutere to drive back, from re- + percutere to beat — more at percussion

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First Known Use: 1543

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repercussion Synonyms

Synonyms

impact, influence, mark, effect, sway

Related Words

authority, clout, prestige, pull, weight; command, domination, dominion, mastery; consequence, importance, significance; sovereignty (also sovranty), supremacy

Near Antonyms

helplessness, impotence, impotency, powerlessness, weakness

REPERCUSSION Defined for English Language Learners

repercussion

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noun

Definition of repercussion for English Language Learners

: something usually bad or unpleasant that happens as a result of an action, statement, etc., and that usually affects people for a long time

REPERCUSSION Defined for Kids

repercussion

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noun re·per·cus·sion \ ˌrē-pər-ˈkə-shən \

Definition of repercussion for Students

:a widespread, indirect, or unexpected effect of something said or done

Everyone felt the repercussions of the change.

Learn More about repercussion

See words that rhyme with repercussion Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for repercussion Spanish Central: Translation of repercussion Nglish: Translation of repercussion for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of repercussion for Arabic speakers

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Examples of repercussion in a Sentence

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Origin and Etymology of repercussion

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REPERCUSSION Defined for English Language Learners

repercussion

Definition of repercussion for English Language Learners

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repercussion

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