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.

Related Words

• bring about
• inflict
• unleash
• wreck