What does repercussion mean?
A repercussion is an effect that follows an action, decision, or event, especially an indirect or unintended one. In everyday and journalistic English, the word commonly suggests consequences that may be negative, disruptive, or politically and socially significant: a decision can have serious repercussions, or an unexpected development can trigger a chain of repercussions. Although the word can also refer to the reverberation or echo of a sound, this meaning is now much less frequent. Repercussion is useful when emphasizing that an event does not end with its first visible outcome but may produce later effects in other areas. Its slightly formal tone makes it well suited to news reporting, analysis, and discussion of public affairs, while it is also used in general conversation. The related forms 'repercussions' and 'repercussive' occur less commonly, especially in formal or technical writing.
nounA consequence or effect, especially an indirect or unintended one that follows an action or event. It can also refer to the echoing or reverberation of a sound.
- An indirect or unintended consequence of an action or event.
- The echoing or reverberation of a sound.
"The policy had unintended repercussions for small businesses."
"The scandal had serious repercussions for the organization."
"The audience waited for the reverberation and the final repercussion of the drum."
The plural is commonly used for the indirect consequences of an event or decision, as in 'the policy had serious repercussions.'
"The unexpected results had political and economic repercussions."
A repercussion is the ripple effect: one event leads to consequences that can travel far beyond the original moment.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does repercussion come from?
The word comes from Latin repercussio, meaning a rebound or echo and, by extension, a consequence. It derives from repercussus, the past participle of repellere, formed from re- 'back' and pellere 'to strike' or 'drive'. English borrowed the word in the 17th century, initially for the sense of a reflected sound and an effect produced by an action.
How repercussion is actually used
In modern usage, 'repercussion' usually has a negative or cautionary connotation, especially when describing undesirable consequences. Its older sense relating to sound is now uncommon.