reprisal
pronunciation
How to pronounce reprisal in British English:
UK [rɪˈpraɪzl]
How to pronounce reprisal in American English:
US [rɪˈpraɪzəl]
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- Noun:
- a retaliatory action against an enemy in wartime
Word Origin
- reprisal (n.)
- early 15c., "seizing property or citizens of another nation in retaliation for loss inflicted on one's own," from Anglo-French reprisaille (14c.), from Old French reprisaille (Modern French représaille), from early Italian ripresaglia, from ripreso, past participle of riprendere "take back," from Latin reprendere, earlier reprehendere (see reprehend). General sense of "retaliation" is from 1710.
Example
- 1. Mr. aumran uses a pseudonym for fear of government reprisal .
- 2. When I filed a complaint , I was subjected to a racist reprisal .
- 3. Reprisal attacks killing american soldiers led to the temporary withdrawal of advisers from afghan ministries .
- 4. The journalists spoke on the condition of anonymity , fearing government reprisal .
- 5. If one gang member shoots another , for example , the likelihood of reprisal goes up .