avenge

[ uh-venj ]

verb (used with object)

, a·venged, a·veng·ing.

1. to take vengeance or exact satisfaction for:

   to avenge a grave insult.

   Antonyms: forgive

2. to take vengeance on behalf of:

   He avenged his brother.

avenge

/ əˈvɛndʒ /

verb

1. usually tr to inflict a punishment in retaliation for (harm, injury, etc) done to (a person or persons); take revenge for or on behalf of

   to avenge a murdered friend

   to avenge a crime

Usage

The use of avenge with a reflexive pronoun was formerly considered incorrect, but is now acceptable: she avenged herself on the man who killed her daughter

Derived Forms

• aˈvenger, noun

Other Words From

• a·venge·ful adjective
• a·veng·er noun
• a·veng·ing·ly adverb
• un·a·venged adjective
• un·a·veng·ing adjective
• un·a·veng·ing·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of avenge¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English avengen, from Old French avengier, equivalent to a- prefix meaning “toward, increase” ( a- ⁵ ) + vengier, from Latin vindicāre; vindicate

Word History and Origins

Origin of avenge¹

C14: from Old French avengier, from vengier, from Latin vindicāre; see vengeance , vindicate

Synonym Study

Avenge, revenge both imply to inflict pain or harm in return for pain or harm inflicted on oneself or those persons or causes to which one feels loyalty. The two words were formerly interchangeable, but have been differentiated until they now convey widely diverse ideas. Avenge is now restricted to inflicting punishment as an act of retributive justice or as a vindication of propriety: to avenge a murder by bringing the criminal to trial. Revenge implies inflicting pain or harm to retaliate for real or fancied wrongs; a reflexive pronoun is often used with this verb: Iago wished to revenge himself upon Othello.

Example Sentences

The hosts will be looking to avenge their 16-15 defeat by South Africa in their last meeting in the 2023 World Cup semi-final.

From BBC

There are rematches and also chances to avenge defeats from last season.

From Los Angeles Times

Newport Harbor was trying to avenge a 28-12 defeat to Orange Lutheran on Aug. 24, and the Sailors scored on their first possession on Helmar’s five-yard strike to Skylie Cid.

From Los Angeles Times

And, while the hosts were unable to avenge last year's World Cup loss, the significance of victory in Ireland will not be lost on the All Blacks after their home series defeat in 2022.

From BBC

The Comanches also sought to avenge a 35-12 nonleague defeat Aug. 30.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• vindicate