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

Worse, these women are often deterred from reporting such abuses, due to personal threats, fears of professional repercussions, and the likelihood that those who could help them seek recourse will not believe them.

From Fortune

Disney probably understands the consequences of failing to think about the repercussions of efforts to build its audience in China better than anyone.

From Quartz

In San Diego, tourism-related businesses are taking a tremendous hit, and it is likely there will be ongoing repercussions long after restrictions are lifted.

From Voice of San Diego

The Madden-Julian Oscillation is a pattern of storms that usually forms several times a year in tropical latitudes and can have weather repercussions around the globe.

From Science News

The fact that a “no match” from a human investigator can overturn a wrong machine identification should be reassuring, but that came too late to save Williams from false arrest and its repercussions.

From Nautilus

The proposed law would allow men to abuse their wives, children, and sisters without threat of judicial repercussion.

From The Daily Beast

But we can't live in a world where citizens are allowed to do what he's done without repercussion.

From The Daily Beast

Anything done to the Double acts by repercussion upon the physical body.

From Project Gutenberg

They're the most curious scars in the world, these scars transferred by repercussion from an injured Double.

From Project Gutenberg

When the air around was no longer shaken by constant repercussion, Bobby fell asleep.

From Project Gutenberg

This is a specimen of the "repercussion" stories, in which the wound inflicted on the wer-animal appears in the human form.

From Project Gutenberg

We feel the repercussion of his anguish when death was imminent for alleged participation in a nihilistic conspiracy.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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