wreak
verb (used with object)
to inflict or execute (punishment, vengeance, etc.).
were wreaking
-
past progressiveof wreak.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
With winter in the northern hemisphere officially ending on Friday -- the first day of astronomical spring -- the soaring temperatures were wreaking havoc on wildlife in the West.
From Barron's ● Mar. 21, 2026
Farr remembers how in January she was on the show’s set in Vancouver while the wildfires were wreaking havoc in Los Angeles.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 19, 2025
Smells from a nearby animal processing plant were wreaking havoc on their lives and depriving them of sleep, the couple told him.
From New York Times ● Jan. 13, 2022
The record temperatures were wreaking havoc with ecosystems around the world.
From The Guardian ● May 15, 2016
My heart felt all melty, butterflies were wreaking havoc in my stomach, and I felt scared and exhilarated and like laughing and crying all at the same time.
From "From Twinkle, with Love" by Sandhya Menon
