reprisal
noun
re·pri·sal
ri-ˈprī-zəl 
1
: a retaliatory act
2
: the regaining of something (as by recapture)
3
: something (such as a sum of money) given or paid in restitution
—usually used in plural
4
a
: the act or practice in international law of resorting to force short of war in retaliation for damage or loss suffered
b
: an instance of such action
5
obsolete
: prize
Examples of reprisal in a Sentence
Enemy officers suffered harsh reprisals.
The allies threatened economic reprisals against the invading country.
The hostages were taken in reprisal for the bombing.
Recent Examples on the Web
Avengers’ reprisal was announced at last year’s Comic-Con, when Hall H unearthed the bombshell revelation that Robert Downey Jr. would be returning to the franchise — this time, as villain Doctor Doom — after seeing Iron Man die heroically in Endgame.
—
Natalie Sitek, Deadline, 24 Feb. 2025
Her family members were reluctant to speak with NBC News about their worries for the future for fear of reprisal.
—Curtis Bunn, NBC News, 22 Feb. 2025
The 35-year-old father of three from Pennsylvania, who was a Navy reserve sailor for 17 years, requested anonymity for fear of reprisal.
—Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 20 Feb. 2025
Ferrell and Gasteyer’s reprisal of the dorky duo at the Feb. 14 concert brought other hilarious moments, as well.
—Liza Esquibias, People.com, 17 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reprisal
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Natalie Sitek, Deadline, 24 Feb. 2025
Her family members were reluctant to speak with NBC News about their worries for the future for fear of reprisal.
—Curtis Bunn, NBC News, 22 Feb. 2025
The 35-year-old father of three from Pennsylvania, who was a Navy reserve sailor for 17 years, requested anonymity for fear of reprisal.
—Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 20 Feb. 2025
Ferrell and Gasteyer’s reprisal of the dorky duo at the Feb. 14 concert brought other hilarious moments, as well.
—Liza Esquibias, People.com, 17 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reprisal
Cite this Entry
“Reprisal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reprisal. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
reprisal
noun
re·pri·sal
ri-ˈprī-zəl
1
: the use of force short of war by one nation against another in return for damage or loss suffered
economic reprisals
2
: an act of getting back at especially in war
Legal Definition
reprisal
noun
re·pri·sal
ri-ˈprī-zəl
1
a
: the act or practice in international law of resorting to force short of war in retaliation for damage or loss suffered
b
: an instance of such action
2
: a retaliatory act
may not fire a complaining employee in reprisal
Etymology
Anglo-French reprisaile, reprisaille, from Middle French, from Old Italian ripresaglia, from ripreso, past participle of riprendere to take back, from ri- back + prendere to take, from Latin prehendere
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