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 plural

repercussive

ˌrē-pər-ˈkə-siv 

ˌre-

adjective

Synonyms of repercussion

• 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

But the situation involving Paul and Mortensen is far more serious, with more consequential legal repercussions. — Senior Television, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026

The repercussions would reshape the signature shoe business and later trickle into other areas. — Justin Birnbaum, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2026

These are effectively small disruptions to an athlete’s muscle fibres, which have both good and bad repercussions. — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Solar geoengineering could open the door to a host of unintended consequences, including the potential to alter rainfall patterns and shift monsoons, which could have big repercussions for food production, scientists say. — Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2026

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
• 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