avenge

[uh-venj]

verb (used with object)

avenged, avenging 

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 crime

   to avenge a murdered friend

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

Other Word Forms

• avengeful adjective
• avenger noun
• avengingly adverb
• unavenged adjective
• unavenging adjective
• unavengingly 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

“Five cubs killed means five to be avenged. . . .”

Read more on Literature

Benn tasted defeat for the first time in his career against Eubank Jr, but his father believes he can avenge that loss this time.

Read more on BBC

He avenged his loss to Smith, was narrowly beaten by Saunders early in his career and was outclassed by Groves in his singular world title fight.

Read more on BBC

New Zealand ended a nine-year wait to avenge one of their most painful defeats as they comfortably beat Ireland in a Chicago rematch that failed to live up to the pre-game hype.

Read more on BBC

Australia hoped to avenge their World Cup semi-final loss to the Lionesses in 2023, but European champions England were on top form in the second game of their 'homecoming tour' at sold-out Pride Park.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• vindicate