rappresaglia

reprisal, retaliation

noun rahp-preh-ZAH-lyah Rare

Origin: From Old Italian rappresaglia, related to riprendere (to seize back).

Usage Note

Rappresaglia (plural rappresaglie) denotes a retaliatory act, especially in military or political contexts (misure di rappresaglia, 'retaliatory measures'). It maps closely to English 'reprisal'. The phrase per rappresaglia means 'in retaliation'. Do not confuse with rivincita ('revenge, rematch'), which is less formal.

Examples

"Il governo ha adottato misure di rappresaglia."

Natural Translation

The government adopted retaliatory measures.

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