revenge

[ ri-venj ]

verb (used with object)

, re·venged, re·veng·ing.

1. to exact punishment or expiation for a wrong on behalf of, especially in a resentful or vindictive spirit:

   He revenged his murdered brother.

2. to take vengeance for; inflict punishment for; avenge:

   He revenged his brother's murder.

verb (used without object)

, re·venged, re·veng·ing.

1. to take revenge.

noun

1. the act of revenging; retaliation for injuries or wrongs; vengeance.

   Synonyms: requital

2. something done in vengeance.
3. the desire to retaliate; vindictiveness.
4. an opportunity to retaliate or gain satisfaction.

revenge

/ rɪˈvɛndʒ /

noun

1. the act of retaliating for wrongs or injury received; vengeance
2. something done as a means of vengeance
3. the desire to take vengeance or retaliate
4. a return match, regarded as a loser's opportunity to even the score

verb

1. to inflict equivalent injury or damage for (injury received); retaliate in return for
2. to take vengeance for (oneself or another); avenge

Derived Forms

• reˈvengingly, adverb
• reˈvenging, adjective
• reˈvengeless, adjective
• reˈvenger, noun

Other Words From

• re·vengeless adjective
• re·venger noun
• re·venging·ly adverb
• nonre·venge noun
• nonre·venger noun
• prere·venge noun verb (used with object) prerevenged prerevenging
• unre·venged adjective
• unre·venging adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of revenge¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English revengen (verb), from Middle French, Old French revengier, from re- re- + vengier “to avenge”; avenge

Word History and Origins

Origin of revenge¹

C14: from Old French revenger , from Late Latin revindicāre , from re- + vindicāre to vindicate

Synonym Study

See avenge. Revenge, reprisal, retribution, vengeance suggest a punishment, or injury inflicted in return for one received. Revenge is the carrying out of a bitter desire to injure another for a wrong done to oneself or to those who are felt to be like oneself: to plot revenge. Reprisal, formerly any act of retaliation, is used specifically in warfare for retaliation upon the enemy for its (usually unlawful) actions: to make a raid in reprisal for one by the enemy. Retribution suggests just or deserved punishment, often without personal motives, for some evil done: a just retribution for wickedness. Vengeance is usually wrathful, vindictive, furious revenge: implacable vengeance.

Example Sentences

In interviews with the HET, Soldier A denied that he had shot Mr McGreanery in revenge for the earlier murder of a soldier and insisted it had been a spur of the moment response to a perceived threat.

From BBC

Rogan officially endorsed Trump on the Monday before the election and has encouraged the president-elect to strive for unity over revenge in his second administration.

From Salon

"It is seeking to persecute and take revenge on Marine Le Pen."

From BBC

There’s no question that Gaetz shares Trump’s desire for revenge against everyone who helped prosecute the former president under Biden.

From Slate

He is also clearly unqualified, Goldman said, a troubling fact that points to why he was chosen — to “get revenge on generals” and turn the state into his “own personal fiefdom.”

From Salon

Related Words

• attack
• reprisal
• retribution
• vengeance