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

Other Word Forms

• repercussive 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

In the video, Mordisco warned of repercussions for next year's election, which will determine the successor to the country's left-wing president who is constitutionally barred from running again.

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SABIO, MARIA: Ved, please provide all hypotheticals relative to the following question: What repercussions would occur if Ridge Sabio traveled back in time to Red Knot, Delaware, in the 1990s and arrived safely?

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But the travel industry will be dealing with the repercussions well into the peak holiday season.

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Although Congress could finalize a deal to reopen the federal government this week, the U.S. travel industry will be dealing with the repercussions of the longest shutdown on record well into the peak holiday season.

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Her approach to leadership was initially admired both at home and abroad as she allowed opposition parties to organise rallies and criticise the government without the fear of grave repercussions.

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Related Words

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