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.
实用例句
1. There were fears that some of the Western hostages might be killed in reprisal.
有人担心一些西方人质可能会受到报复性杀害。
来自柯林斯例句
2. There is no political alternative but a big reprisal.
政治上没有旁的选择只能是大规模报复.
来自辞典例句
3. Hand , being greatly hurt in his pride, contemplated only severe reprisal.
韩德的自尊心受到严重伤害, 一心一意考虑着严厉的报复.
来自辞典例句
4. Civilian targets were bombed in reprisal ( for the raid ).
