repercussion

American  

[ree-per-kuhsh-uhn, rep-er-] / ˌri pərˈkʌʃ ən, ˌrɛp ər- /

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.

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repercussion British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• repercussive adjective

Etymology

Origin of repercussion

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

Example Sentences

All this could already have important repercussions in the municipal elections which take place next month across France.

From BBC

Further incidents followed over the next few months, all of which led to little or no repercussions for the perpetrators.

From BBC

In practice, there are few repercussions if someone does refuse to attend.

From BBC

Even though many of these children were toddlers or infants when the pandemic began, the disruption has had long-lasting repercussions.

From Los Angeles Times

It is a controversy that is unlikely to blow over quickly, and the true repercussions are yet to become clear.

From BBC

Related Words

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