plural reprisals
: something that is done to hurt or punish someone who has hurt you or done something bad to you
Enemy officers suffered harsh reprisals.
The allies threatened economic reprisals against the invading country.
The prisoners kept silent for fear of reprisal. [=punishment]
The hostages were taken in reprisal for the bombing.
Cite this Entry
“Reprisal.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/reprisal. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
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