vengeance

[ ven-juhns ]

noun

1. infliction of injury, harm, humiliation, or the like, on a person by another who has been harmed by that person; violent revenge:

   But have you the right to vengeance?

   Synonyms: retaliation, requital

   Antonyms: forgiveness

2. an act or opportunity of inflicting such trouble:

   to take one's vengeance.

3. the desire for revenge:

   a man full of vengeance.

4. Obsolete. hurt; injury.
5. Obsolete. curse; imprecation.

vengeance

/ ˈvɛndʒəns /

noun

1. the act of or desire for taking revenge; retributive punishment
2. with a vengeance
   (intensifier)

   the 70's have returned with a vengeance

Word History and Origins

Origin of vengeance¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English, from Old French; equivalent to venge + -ance

Word History and Origins

Origin of vengeance¹

C13: from Old French, from venger to avenge, from Latin vindicāre to punish; see vindicate

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. with a vengeance,
   1. with force or violence.
   2. greatly; extremely.
   3. to an unreasonable, excessive, or surprising degree:

      He attacked the job with a vengeance.

More idioms and phrases containing vengeance

see with a vengeance .

Synonym Study

See revenge.

Example Sentences

It’s early days and while the fog persists, some of the shape of the future is very clear: despite his felonies, his lies, his promised mass deportations and threats of vengeance, President Donald J Trump will re-enter the White House in 2025 better organized, with a clearer mandate, and with the seal of approval of the popular vote.

From Slate

And his vengeance will be enabled by the Supreme Court opinion granting presidents broad immunity from prosecution.

From Los Angeles Times

In the wake of Nixon’s abuses, the country put in place a series of laws, regulations and norms designed to prevent government by vengeance.

From Los Angeles Times

Grand juries may not go along with prosecutions that reek of vengeance, and trial juries and judges are more likely to resist.

From Los Angeles Times

But the vengeance policy is what's going to animate Trump the most.

From Salon

Related Words

• reprisal
• retribution
• revenge