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

“They believe he hates the same things they do. They’re willing to excuse anything and everything for their guy. There’ll be no repercussions.”

From Los Angeles Times

The responses were varied, although there was the sense that players felt free to speak without fear of repercussions.

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

“But a lawyer, it’s even more dangerous…That’s why we have serious repercussions for those who violate the duty of candor.”

From Salon

But I’m no longer the woman who fears the repercussions of not voting with him.

From Salon

Related Words

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