early 15c., "seizing property or citizens of another nation in retaliation for loss inflicted on one's own," from Anglo-French reprisaille (14c.), from Old French reprisaille (Modern French représaille), from early Italian ripresaglia, from ripreso, past participle of riprendere "take back," from Latin reprendere, earlier reprehendere (see reprehend). General sense of "retaliation" is from 1710.
例文
1. There were fears that some of the Western hostages might be killed in reprisal .
西側の人質が報復的に殺害される可能性を懸念する人がいる。
2.There is no political alternative but a big reprisal .
政治的に傍観的な選択肢がないのは大規模な報復にほかならない。
3.Hand,being greatly hurt in his pride,contemplated only severe reprisal .
ハンデの自尊心はひどく傷つけられ、厳しい報復をひたすら考えている。
4. Civilian targets were bombed in reprisal ( for the raid ).