Reprisal: meaning, definitions and examples
⚔️
reprisal
[ rɪˈpraɪzəl ]
in conflict
An act of retaliation or revenge for a previous action, usually in the context of a conflict or dispute. It is a form of punishment or enforcement of justice.
Synonyms
retaliation, revenge, vengeance
Examples of usage
- His harsh words were seen as a reprisal for her criticism of his work.
- The bombing of the city was considered a reprisal for the earlier attack on their military base.
international relations
In the context of international relations, it refers to a retaliatory action taken by one country against another in response to an earlier provocation or violation of international law.
Synonyms
countermeasure, reciprocal action, retaliation
Examples of usage
- The trade sanctions were imposed as a reprisal for the violation of human rights by the foreign government.
- The expulsion of diplomats was viewed as a reprisal for the espionage activities.
Translations
Translations of the word "reprisal" in other languages:
🇵🇹 represália
🇮🇳 प्रतिकार
🇩🇪 Vergeltung
🇮🇩 pembalasan
🇺🇦 репресія
🇵🇱 odwet
🇯🇵 報復 (ほうふく)
🇫🇷 représailles
🇪🇸 represalia
🇹🇷 misilleme
🇰🇷 보복 (報復)
🇸🇦 انتقام
🇨🇿 odplata
🇸🇰 odplata
🇨🇳 报复 (bàofù)
🇸🇮 povračilo
🇮🇸 hefnd
🇰🇿 кек алу
🇬🇪 შურისძიება
🇦🇿 intiqam
🇲🇽 represalia
Word origin
The word 'reprisal' originated from the French word 'représailles', which in turn came from the Latin word 'repraesalire', meaning 'to take back'. The concept of reprisals dates back to ancient times when it was used as a form of punishment or retaliation. Over the years, the term has evolved to encompass a broader meaning related to retaliation in conflicts and international relations.