Reprisal: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.