repercussion

/ˌɹiː.pəˈkʌʃ.ən/

Group 23Difficulty 1/3

Definition

(noun)
An unintended consequence occurring some time after an event or action
GRE

Example in Context

The decision to cut the research budget would have repercussions that extended far beyond the immediate fiscal year.

Synonyms

consequencebacklashfallout

Etymology

A striking effect that comes back after an action.

  • re- (Latin) — back
  • percussio (Latin) — a striking

Memory Aid

🛋️Sounds like “re per cushion

When you RE-PER-CUSHION the sofa, the repercussions are a flood of cushions bouncing back!

Visual Association

🔄A giant cushion bouncing off walls and knocking over everything in its path after being thrown.

Semantic Clusters

Synonym Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “repercussion” mean on the GRE?

repercussion (noun) means “An unintended consequence occurring some time after an event or action”. The decision to cut the research budget would have repercussions that extended far beyond the immediate fiscal year.

How to remember “repercussion” for the GRE?

Mnemonic: “repercussion” sounds like “re per cushion”. When you RE-PER-CUSHION the sofa, the repercussions are a flood of cushions bouncing back!

What are synonyms for “repercussion”?

Common synonyms: consequence, backlash, fallout.