Repercussion
/ˌriː.pərˈkʌʃ.ən/noun
An unintended consequence or effect that follows from an action or event.
Did you know?The word originally described a physical rebounding or reflected force before becoming chiefly associated with consequences in the 16th century.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*kewH-
“To strike, knock, or beat; a reconstructed root associated with later Latin striking verbs.”
Classical Latin
Latin
percutere
“To strike through, beat, or hit.”
Classical Latin
Latin
repercutere
“To strike back, drive back, or reflect.”
Late Latin
Latin
repercussio
“A striking back, rebounding, or reflection.”
15th Century
English
repercussion
“A rebounding or reflected force; also an effect produced by an action.”
Modern English
English
repercussion
“A consequence, especially an unintended or unwelcome one.”
Explore more surprising origins