wreak
verb (used with object)
to inflict or execute (punishment, vengeance, etc.).
wreaked
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past participleof wreak.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof wreak.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
wreakverb (used with object)to inflict or execute (punishment, vengeance, etc.).
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 deer have wreaked havoc on native species as they eat fire-resilient chaparral and other native plants.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 10, 2026
Temperatures on Thursday were around 35C in the Kumamoto region, two days after the 7.1-magnitude earthquake wreaked major structural damage.
From Barron's ● Jul. 30, 2026
Dart fought back from a set down to beat Liudmila Samsonova 5-7 6-4 6-3 in one of only three matches completed on Monday as the rain wreaked havoc with the schedule.
From BBC ● Jun. 9, 2026
Pelley said "incompetence and unprofessionalism in the new management have wreaked havoc".
From BBC ● Jun. 3, 2026
The humidity had wreaked havoc on her hair, which was a tangle of greasy blond.
From "Beauty Queens" by Libba Bray
