Definition

1. Verb (Intransitive):

   • To sound again, to be repeated as an echo. This refers to the phenomenon where a sound is reflected off a surface and heard again.
   • To produce a second or further echo; to echo repeatedly.

2. Verb (Transitive):

   • To repeat (a sound) back like an echo; to reflect (a sound) so it is heard again.
   • To send back or return (an echo) again.

Usage and Examples

• Intransitive Verb:

  • The sound of the gunshot reechoed through the canyon for several seconds. (The initial echo itself produced further, fainter repetitions of the sound.)
  • Her laughter reechoed in the empty hall. (The laughter echoed more than once within the space.)

• Transitive Verb:

  • The high cliff walls reechoed the climber's call. (The walls reflected the call, creating multiple echoes.)
  • The cave seemed to reecho every whisper we made. (The cave repeated every whisper back to us, likely more than once.)

Advanced Usage

• Figurative Use: The verb can be used figuratively to describe ideas, feelings, or events that are repeated or reverberate mentally or socially.
  • The leader's words reechoed in the minds of the people long after the speech. (The words were mentally recalled or had a lasting impact, similar to a repeated sound.)
  • The scandal's effects reechoed through the industry for years. (The consequences repeated or continued to be felt over a long period.)

Variants and Related Words

• Echo (v/n): The core word. As a verb: to be repeated as a sound; to repeat a sound. As a noun: the reflected sound itself.
• Reverberate (v): To be repeated several times as an echo; to resound. Often implies a fuller, rolling sound.
• Resound (v): To be filled with sound; to echo loudly.

Synonyms

• Reverberate
• Resound
• Ring out again

Antonyms

• Absorb (sound)
• Muffle
• Silence

Notes on Meaning

The prefix "re-" in reecho emphasizes the action happening again or repeatedly. While "echo" can describe a single reflection of sound, reecho often implies either a second distinct echo or a series of diminishing echoes. It stresses the repetitive nature of the sound reflection.

Verb

1. repeat back like an echo
2. repeat or return an echo again or repeatedly; send (an echo) back
3. echo repeatedly, echo again and again