Basic Details
Word: Reprisal
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: An act of returning an injury or wrong; taking revenge.
Synonyms: Retaliation, revenge, vengeance
Antonyms: Forgiveness, pardon, reconciliation
Idioms and Phrases
- An eye for an eye: The idea that one should get an equal response for a wrong done. Example: "He believes in an eye for an eye, so he planned a reprisal against those who wronged him."
- Settle the score: To take revenge or resolve a conflict. Example: "After the argument, she wanted to settle the score with a reprisal that would show she wasn't afraid."
Usage Examples
Example 1: After the unfair treatment, the players feared there would be a reprisal from the rival team.
Example 2: The community was worried that any reprisal for the vandalism would escalate the conflict further.
Example 3: He decided against any kind of reprisal, believing that forgiveness was a stronger choice.
Fun Fact
Interestingly, the word "reprisal" originated from the Latin term "reprehensio," which means to seize or take back. It reflects the idea of responding to an action that has been taken against you.
Famous Quote
"Revenge is a dish best served cold." - French Proverb
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "reprisal" mean?
a) A friendly gesture
b) An act of returning an injury
c) A peaceful agreement
d) A strategy for success
Answer: b) An act of returning an injury
2. Which of these is a synonym of "reprisal"?
a) Cooperation
b) Retaliation
c) Celebration
d) Prediction
Answer: b) Retaliation
3. Which is an antonym of "reprisal"?
a) Revenge
b) Forgiveness
c) Vengeance
d) Retaliation
Answer: b) Forgiveness
4. Which sentence uses "reprisal" correctly?
a) The reprisal was filled with joy and laughter.
b) She laughed loudly during the reprisal.
c) The team planned a reprisal after the harsh defeat.
d) They shared a sweet reprisal of the event.
Answer: c) The team planned a reprisal after the harsh defeat.
5. Which idiom relates to the idea of "reprisal"?
a) An eye for an eye
b) In hot water
c) The ball is in your court
d) Barking up the wrong tree
Answer: a) An eye for an eye
