Search Dictionary
Definition of reprisal

reprisal

/rɪˈpraɪ.zəl/
re · pri · sal
Plural:reprisals
JUMP TO:

reprisal Lexical Profile

reprisal Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

An act of retaliation against another person, group, or nation for an injury, wrong, or perceived offense.

Example

"The whistleblowers requested legal protection to ensure they could testify without fear of reprisal from their employers."

2

The forcible seizure of foreign property or citizens by a state as compensation or redress for an injury committed by another state (in historical international law).

Example

"In early maritime history, sovereigns frequently issued letters of marque authorizing privateers to carry out reprisals against rival merchant fleets."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for reprisal
Antonyms
View all antonyms for reprisal

• Rhymes for reprisal

• Nearby Words

reprieve
reprimand
reprint
reprisal
reprise
reproach
reproachable

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the 15th century from Anglo-French 'reprisaille', from Old French 'reprise' (a taking back), ultimately derived from the Latin verb 'reprehendere' meaning 'to seize or hold back'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Reprisal. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/reprisal
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.