reprisal

noun

re·​pri·​sal ri-ˈprī-zəl How to pronounce reprisal (audio)
1
: a retaliatory act
2
: the regaining of something (as by recapture)
3
: something (such as a sum of money) given or paid in restitution
usually used in plural
4
a
: the act or practice in international law of resorting to force short of war in retaliation for damage or loss suffered
b
: an instance of such action
5
obsolete : prize

Examples of reprisal in a Sentence

Enemy officers suffered harsh reprisals. The allies threatened economic reprisals against the invading country. The hostages were taken in reprisal for the bombing.
Recent Examples on the Web Another pro-Palestinian supporter, who also requested anonymity because of fear of reprisals, told The Times that his group was trying to leave the protest and was chased by pro-Israel supporters. Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2024 Though not discussed in public because of fears of media reprisals, this issue is continuously discussed in private. Ray Dalio, TIME, 25 June 2024 This would be a reprisal of his role from 2020 debate prep, when Bauer’s job was anticipating how Trump would attack Biden on stage. Melissa Cruz, USA TODAY, 24 June 2024 Each person requested anonymity for fear of reprisal. Bradford Betz, Fox News, 24 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for reprisal 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'reprisal.' 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

Middle English reprisail, from Anglo-French reprisaile, from Medieval Latin represalia, from Old Italian rappresaglia, ultimately from ripreso, past participle of riprendere to take back, from ri- re- (from Latin re-) + prendere to take, from Latin prehendere — more at get

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4a

Time Traveler
The first known use of reprisal was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near reprisal

Cite this Entry

“Reprisal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reprisal. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

reprisal

noun
re·​pri·​sal ri-ˈprī-zəl How to pronounce reprisal (audio)
1
: the use of force short of war by one nation against another in return for damage or loss suffered
economic reprisals
2
: an act of getting back at especially in war

Legal Definition

reprisal

noun
re·​pri·​sal ri-ˈprī-zəl How to pronounce reprisal (audio)
1
a
: the act or practice in international law of resorting to force short of war in retaliation for damage or loss suffered
b
: an instance of such action
2
: a retaliatory act
may not fire a complaining employee in reprisal
Etymology

Anglo-French reprisaile, reprisaille, from Middle French, from Old Italian ripresaglia, from ripreso, past participle of riprendere to take back, from ri- back + prendere to take, from Latin prehendere

More from Merriam-Webster on reprisal

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