wreak
verb (used with object)
to inflict or execute (punishment, vengeance, etc.).
had been wreaking
-
past perfect progressiveof wreak.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The hawk had been wreaking havoc in the village, which is on the edge of the Chiltern hills, even holding up the postal service.
From BBC ● Apr. 3, 2025
The flu had been wreaking havoc on USC’s locker room since late last week.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 19, 2024
My eyes kept returning to a blue kite that had been wreaking havoc for the last hour.
From "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini
The Captain had been wreaking his spite upon this lowly head.
From Vixen, Volume II. by M. E. (Mary Elizabeth) Braddon
