vengeance

American  

[ven-juhns] / ˈvɛn dʒəns /

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.

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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.

vengeance British  

/ ˈvɛndʒəns /

noun

1. the act of or desire for taking revenge; retributive punishment

2. (intensifier)

   the 70's have returned with a vengeance

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vengeance More Idioms  

1. see with a vengeance.

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Usage

What does vengeance mean? Vengeance is a desire for revenge—retaliation against or punishment of someone for some kind of harm that they caused or wrongdoing that they did (whether real or perceived).It can also be used as an even more intense synonym for revenge.Vengeance often involves deep anger and a perhaps obsessive desire to get even by inflicting similar harm to the person who initially harmed the person seeking revenge. When it means the same thing as revenge, vengeance is often planned out over a period of time.The related adjective vengeful is used to describe someone who is determined to seek vengeance or someone who is inclined to seek vengeance—someone who is vindictive.The phrase with a vengeance means with great violence or intensity, as in My allergies have come back with a vengeance—I’ve been sneezing all day. Example: The vengeance in your heart will eat away at you, which is like letting your enemy defeat you yet again.

Related Words

See revenge.

Etymology

Origin of vengeance

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

Example Sentences

The year's most talked-about films were dominated by images of men performing pain, power and vengeance at full volume.

From BBC

In her own movie, the plot may be about "an epic, interstellar journey of vengeance and justice".

From BBC

In “Le Morte d’Arthur,” Thomas Malory brings an ancient world to life with the story of what happens when blind emotion overrides thought and vengeance becomes the ruin of the avenger.

From The Wall Street Journal

She eventually manages to outlive him, fueled by a burning vengeance to take what’s owed to her, even if it means sacrificing everything.

From Salon

His personal vengeance project is an embarrassment to all involved.

From Salon

Related Words

• reprisal
• retribution
• revenge