reprisal

American  

[ri-prahy-zuhl] / rɪˈpraɪ zəl /

noun

1. (in warfare) retaliation against an enemy, for injuries received, by the infliction of equal or greater injuries.

   Synonyms:

   redress

2. an act or instance of retaliation.

3. the action or practice of using force, short of war, against another nation, to secure redress of a grievance.

4. the forcible seizure of property or subjects in retaliation.

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reprisal British  

/ rɪˈpraɪzəl /

noun

1. (often plural) retaliatory action against an enemy in wartime, such as the execution of prisoners of war, destruction of property, etc

2. the act or an instance of retaliation in any form

3. (formerly) the forcible seizure of the property or subjects of one nation by another

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reprisal Cultural  

1. An act by which a nation seeks, short of war, to redress a wrong committed against it by another nation. Boycotts and blockades are common forms of reprisal.

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Related Words

See revenge.

Other Word Forms

• nonreprisal noun

Etymology

Origin of reprisal

1400–50; late Middle English reprisail < Old French reprisaille. See reprise, -al ²

Example Sentences

"When I saw the images, I was disgusted," she told AFP, declining to share her full name for fear of reprisal.

From Barron's

Members of some militias have proved their ability to survive Hamas reprisals, forming several small communities in areas of Gaza under Israeli military control.

From The Wall Street Journal

Through his access to databases, Ott, according to Austrian authorities, is alleged to have been able to leak information on individuals "at risk of reprisals," such as a former spy hiding abroad.

From Barron's

La Fortaleza's residents refused to discuss the conflict out of fear of reprisal.

From Barron's

But these days, boosters who spend even more lavishly than Shapiro routinely help athletic departments fund college-athlete compensation without fear of reprisal.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• retaliation
• retribution
• vengeance