1. an act of retaliation or revenge, especially in response to an attack or injury
2. the practice of using force or other hostile action in response to a hostile act
Usage: often used in military or political contexts

Examples

• The bombing was seen as a reprisal for the earlier attack on their base.
• She feared reprisals from her former colleagues after reporting the corruption.
• The government warned against any reprisals following the controversial verdict.
• Economic sanctions were imposed as a reprisal for the trade violations.
• The gang violence escalated as each side launched reprisals against the other.
• He decided not to file the complaint, worried about possible reprisals at work.