Représailles (en. Reprisals)

/ʁe.pʁe.za.j/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench
noun
An escalation of reprisals after an aggression.
The reprisals were immediate.
Les représailles ont été immédiates.
Negative repercussions on a person or group.
He had to face the reprisals of his actions.
Il a dû faire face aux représailles de ses actions.
A violent reaction in response to a provocation.
The reprisals were of great intensity.
Les représailles furent d'une grande intensité.

Etymology

From the Latin 'reparare', meaning to repair, to compensate.

Common Phrases and Expressions

to take reprisals
to act in response to an offense.
faire des représailles
to suffer reprisals
to be a victim of revenge.
subir des représailles
call for reprisals
to invite retaliation.
appel aux représailles

Related Words

vengeance
The act of taking revenge.
vengeance
punishment
Sanction imposed for an offense.
punition
retribution
The act of giving according to justice or fairness.
rétribution

Slang Meanings

Counterattack
He planned his counterattack after the attack.
Il a planifié sa riposte après l'attaque.
Backlash
The reprisals were a backlash for the provocations.
Les représailles étaient un retour de flamme pour les provocations.