wreak

[ reek ]

verb (used with object)

1. to inflict or execute (punishment, vengeance, etc.):

   They wreaked havoc on the enemy.

   Synonyms: unleash, vent, visit, inflict, impose

2. to carry out the promptings of (one's rage, ill humor, will, desire, etc.), as on a victim or object:

   He wreaked his anger on the office staff.

wreak

/ riːk /

verb

1. to inflict (vengeance, etc) or to cause (chaos, etc)

   to wreak havoc on the enemy

2. to express, or gratify (anger, hatred, etc)
3. archaic.
   to take vengeance for

Usage

See wrought

Derived Forms

• ˈwreaker, noun

Other Words From

• wreak·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of wreak¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English wreken, Old English wrecan; cognate with German rächen “to avenge,” Old Norse reka “to drive, avenge,” Gothic wrikan “to persecute”; akin to Latin urgēre “to drive, push”

Word History and Origins

Origin of wreak¹

Old English wrecan; related to Old Frisian wreka, Old High German rehhan (German rächen ), Old Norse reka, Latin urgēre to push

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. wreak havoc. wreak havoc.

Example Sentences

Reactionary politics wreak havoc on interpersonal connections.

From Salon

Trump is all but sure to wreak havoc on federal agencies central to understanding, and combatting, climate change.

From Salon

He will wreak havoc on the poor, the middle class, and employers.

From Salon

Instead of that, it began to wreak havoc across much of the region.

From BBC

Bezos insists that no quid pro quo was involved, but as many have pointed out, he stands to lose various lucrative government contracts should Donald Trump become president and wreak the revenge he has promised on his many perceived enemies.

From Slate

Related Words

• bring about
• inflict
• unleash
• wreck