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

These recent WhatsApp messages of a Venezuelan family – who asked to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals – underscore the caution civilians are taking in their daily conversations, on social media and in text messages as the government expands its crackdown on dissenting speech. —Cnn, CNN Money, 27 Jan. 2026

Unlike the anti-government protesters, who had reason to fear recognition and reprisal, those carrying pro-government placards showed their faces. —Davood Moradian, The Atlantic, 26 Jan. 2026

There wasn’t even a bit of magic reserved for either of its stars, despite both Erivo and Grande scoring Globes nominations for their reprisals, and the latter also being tapped for a Critics Choice Award. —Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 22 Jan. 2026

One pet shop owner in Tehran, who spoke on the condition of anonymity like others for fear of reprisals, said his business had fallen by 90% since the protests. —Elena Becatoros, Arkansas Online, 20 Jan. 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