reprisal

noun

re·​pri·​sal ri-ˈprī-zəl 

1

: a retaliatory act

The prisoners kept quiet for fear of reprisal.

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

Synonyms of reprisal

• reparation
• damages

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

However, Kani played Sam in the play’s 1983 South African premiere, adding an extra layer of meaning to his Geffen reprisal of the role. —Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2026

One attorney, who requested anonymity out of fear of reprisal, described a perception that Dhillon was not fully in control of the division’s staffing. —Quinta Jurecic, The Atlantic, 13 Apr. 2026

On two separate occasions earlier in March, Rick Nicholson brushed the chest of two female players while attempting to swat away insects, according to the parents of three players who spoke on condition of anonymity because of concerns that their daughters might face reprisals. —Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 9 Apr. 2026

Wise portrayed respected attorney and Laura's father, Leland Palmer, and made a return for the subsequent movie and 2017 reprisal. —Ariana Quihuiz, PEOPLE, 8 Apr. 2026

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

Rhymes for reprisal

• incisal
• revisal

Kids Definition

reprisal

noun

re·​pri·​sal ri-ˈprī-zəl 

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 

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