Repercussions, REVERBERATIONS, CONSEQUENCES, AFTERMATH, and impacts are all terms used to describe the effects of an event or action. Repercussions is the most general term, referring to any kind of effect that an event or action has. REVERBERATIONS refers to the echoes or ripples that an event or action creates. CONSEQUENCES are the results of an event or action, often negative in nature. AFTERMATH is the period of time following an event or action, usually characterized by chaos or destruction. AFTERMATHS are the long-term effects of an event or action, which can be positive or negative. Impacts are the direct effects of an event or action, often sudden and dramatic.