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Reprisal Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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reprisal

[rɪˈpraɪzəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
reprisal

Typically used in formal or military contexts where one party takes action against another as a response to a previous attack.

  • The government threatened economic reprisals against the country.
  • The military forces launched reprisals after the border skirmish.
retaliation

Used in everyday language meaning an act of returning like for like, often after being wronged.

  • The workers feared retaliation for their strike.
  • She faced retaliation from her colleagues after reporting fraud.
revenge

Used when talking about personal and emotional contexts where someone seeks to harm another in return for a perceived injury. Often carries a negative connotation.

  • He sought revenge for the insult.
  • Her desire for revenge led her to do terrible things.
vengeance

Similar to 'revenge', but often used in a more literary or dramatic sense, suggesting a desire to punish someone fiercely.

  • She swore vengeance on those who wronged her.
  • The hero's quest for vengeance drove the story forward.

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.
Context #2 | Noun

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
reprisal

Typically used to describe a retaliatory action, especially in a military or diplomatic context. It often has a negative connotation, implying severe or harsh action taken in response to an offense.

  • The country launched a missile strike as a reprisal for the attack on its embassy.
  • Economic sanctions were imposed as a reprisal for the hostile actions.
retaliation

Refers to acts of revenge or retribution and often carries a negative connotation. It's used in contexts where someone is responding to harm or insult with similar actions.

  • The employees feared retaliation after they reported the misconduct.
  • Military retaliation was swift following the attack.
countermeasure

Used in more technical or strategic contexts, this word describes actions taken to prevent or counteract a threat. It is often neutral and can apply to various fields such as security, technology, and healthcare.

  • The security team implemented several countermeasures to prevent cyber attacks.
  • Vaccination is a critical countermeasure against the spread of infectious diseases.
reciprocal action

Usually refers to actions that are mutual, involving an exchange or balanced reaction between parties. This term is often used in legal, social, or diplomatic contexts, and it's generally neutral.

  • The treaty includes provisions for reciprocal actions to ensure mutual benefits.
  • Reciprocal action was necessary to maintain diplomatic relations between the two countries.

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

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

  • Throughout history, reprisals have been a justified military tactic, often sanctioned in the context of warfare.
  • The Geneva Conventions outline specific rules regarding reprisals, emphasizing the need to avoid excessive retaliation that could harm civilians.
  • During the Cold War, the principle of deterrence often meant that potential reprisals were a key component of national defense strategies.

Psychology

  • Reprisal can be seen as a form of revenge, which is rooted in the instinct to restore balance after a perceived injustice.
  • Research in psychology suggests that people often experience a mix of satisfaction and guilt after enacting reprisals.
  • Social contexts can complicate the decision to retaliate, with group dynamics influencing whether or not an individual chooses to engage in reprisal.

Pop Culture

  • In literature and films, reprisal often serves as a central theme, depicted in revenge stories like 'The Count of Monte Cristo'.
  • Video games frequently incorporate reprisals, allowing players to respond to in-game attacks with their own retaliatory actions.
  • Songs about revenge, like Taylor Swift's 'Better Than Revenge,' emphasize the emotional weight of taking action against those who have wronged us.

International Relations

  • In diplomacy, reprisals are controversial, as they can escalate conflicts between nations and hinder peaceful resolution.
  • Reprisals can involve economic sanctions or military actions as a way for countries to respond to aggression.
  • International law seeks to limit the scope and impact of reprisals to promote stability and prevent escalation into war.

Origin of 'reprisal'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'reprisal' originates from the Middle French term 'reprise', which means 'the act of taking back'.
  • Etymologically, 'reprisal' is connected to the Latin word 'reprehendere', meaning 'to seize back'.
  • Its usage in English began in the late 16th century, primarily in the context of warfare and international relations.

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.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,859, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.