reprisal
UK: rɪˈpraɪzəl | US: rɪˈpraɪzəl
n. an act of retaliation, especially in war or conflict
n. the seizure of property or citizens as compensation for harm done
n. (historical) the forcible seizure of goods or subjects in response to a grievance
The word "reprisal" originates from Old French reprisaille (later représaille), derived from Latin reprehendere ("to take back, seize"). The morpheme re- ("again") implies repetition, while pris (from Latin prehendere, "to take") refers to the act of seizing. The suffix -al nominalizes the action. Historically, reprisals involved seizing goods or persons to redress a wrong, reflecting the word’s roots in retaliatory action. Over time, its meaning broadened to include any retaliatory measure.
The attack was a reprisal for the earlier bombing of their territory.
In medieval times, reprisals often involved capturing enemy merchants.
The government denied authorizing military reprisals against civilians.
Fear of reprisals kept many witnesses silent.
The treaty prohibited reprisals without formal declaration.