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View synonyms for

reprisal

[ ri-prahy-zuhl ]

noun

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

    Synonyms:

  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.


reprisal

/ ɪˈɪə /

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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

reprisal

  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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Other Word Forms

  • ԴDzr·a noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of reprisal1

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

Origin of reprisal1

C15: from Old French reprisaille , from Old Italian ripresaglia , from riprendere to recapture, from Latin reprehendere to hold fast; see reprehend
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Synonym Study

See revenge.
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

All of this was unthinkable under Assad, as Syrians could never protest freely for fear of reprisals.

From

The family have been supported by The Peoples Church in Nottingham, with pastor Rob Gale saying the pair "fear reprisals" if they are sent back.

From

Comedies urged spectators to question policies and personalities without fear of legal reprisal.

From

The sources spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals.

From

Such a series of reactions and reprisals from China and the US appeared to be exactly what investors feared last week, as American stock indexes dropped by double-digit percentages.

From

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reprintreprise