reprisal
ri-PRY-zul
/rɪˈpraɪzl/
An act of retaliation, especially in war or international politics.
Usually refers to a specific, organized act of 'hitting back' rather than a general feeling.
The story behind the word. Originally, a 'reprisal' was the legal right to seize the property of a foreign subject to make up for losses caused by that subject's government. It literally means 'taking back' what you lost.
Word relationships
- retaliation: A broader term for any act of striking back.
- countermeasure: A more neutral term for an action taken to counteract a threat.
- concession: Giving in to a demand to avoid conflict.
Commonly confused with
- retribution: 'Retribution' is about what is deserved (justice); 'reprisal' is about the act of hitting back (strategy).
Collocations
- fear of reprisal
- act of reprisal
- military reprisal
Example sentences
- "The bombing was a reprisal for the earlier attack on the naval base." Military history
- "Witnesses often fear reprisal from local authorities if they speak out." Human rights report
Memory hook
Think of 'RE-PRIZE'. You are taking the 'prize' back from the enemy. Taking back by force.
When not to use
Too formal for a simple argument between friends.
Fun facts
- In the Middle Ages, 'Letters of Reprisal' were official documents allowing merchants to recover stolen goods by force.
Related words
Explore more words
retributive, feud, vindictiveness, reciprocity, vindictive, redress
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