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

Law enforcement only has resources to focus on the biggest cases, meaning the best hackers can operate for years without facing any kind of legal repercussions. —Jesse Hyde, Rolling Stone, 21 Oct. 2025

But, in the 90th minute, something unraveled for Charlotte FC that will have repercussions for at least the next week. —Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 19 Oct. 2025

McPhee points to criminal groups recruiting minors to carry out vehicle thefts primarily targeting luxury vehicles being stored in manufacturer parking lots, since the legal repercussions are often less serious for minors. —Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2025

At a time when Kansas is facing a severe child care shortage and parents have a hard time finding affordable, nearby options, some neighbors with and without kids of their own are worried about the repercussions of shutting down the center. —Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 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