repercussion

[ ree-per-kuhsh-uhn, rep-er- ]

noun

1. an effect or result, often indirect or remote, of some event or action:

   The repercussions of the quarrel were widespread.

2. the state of being driven back by a resisting body.
3. a rebounding or recoil of something after impact.
4. reverberation; echo.
5. Music. (in a fugue) the point after the development of an episode at which the subject and answer appear again.

repercussion

/ ˌriːpəˈkʌʃən /

noun

1. often plural a result or consequence, esp one that is somewhat removed from the action or event which precipitated it

   the repercussions of the war are still keenly felt

2. a recoil after impact; a rebound
3. a reflection, esp of sound; echo or reverberation
4. music the reappearance of a fugal subject and answer after an episode

Derived Forms

• ˌreperˈcussive, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of repercussion¹

1375–1425; late Middle English (< Middle French ) < Latin repercussiōn- (stem of repercussiō ) a rebounding, equivalent to repercuss ( us ) (past participle of repercutere to strike back) + -iōn- -ion. See re-, percussion

Word History and Origins

Origin of repercussion¹

C16: from Latin repercussiō , from repercutere to strike back; see percussion

Example Sentences

"I believe that where a venue advertises that they operate Ask for Angela, then there should be some kind of fine or repercussion if they haven't trained all their staff."

From BBC

"Now entrepreneurs can breathe freely without fear of repercussion, without fear of corrupt inspectors, without fear of a filthy justice sector that commits crazy abuses."

From BBC

He went on to say that Al Fayed, who died in 2023, "presided over a toxic culture of secrecy, intimidation, fear of repercussion and sexual misconduct".

From BBC

The only repercussion that the president would face would be political, which is less relevant given that Mr Biden is now no longer running for a second term.

From BBC

It’s just one more repercussion from the Dodgers’ injury-ravaged weekend — a turning-point moment that could define their path to championship contention and alter the blueprint of their World Series ambitions.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• backlash
• chain reaction
• effect
• fallout
• impact
• influence
• reaction
• reverberation
• side effect