avenge
uh-VENJ
/əˈvendʒ/
To inflict harm in return for an injury or wrong done to oneself or another.
Often carries a sense of moral justice or 'righting a wrong' rather than just petty anger.
The story behind the word. Coming through Old French 'avengier', it shares the same root as 'vindicate'. The core idea is to act as a champion for someone who has been wronged, 'claiming' justice on their behalf.
Word relationships
- requite: A more formal, often literary term for returning something.
- vindicate: To clear someone of blame, which is often the goal of avenging them.
- pardon: To officially forgive an offense.
Commonly confused with
- revenge: 'Avenge' is a verb usually focused on justice for others; 'revenge' is often a noun (or verb) focused on personal spite.
Word family
- avenger (noun): A person who exacts punishment for a wrong.
Collocations
- avenge a death
- avenge a wrong
- seek to avenge
Example sentences
- "I will avenge my father's death, even if it takes a lifetime." Classic Literature
- "The hero spent the entire movie trying to avenge the destruction of his village." Modern Cinema
Memory hook
Think of the 'Avengers'. They don't just fight; they fight back because someone (or the world) was wronged first. Justice for others.
When not to use
Avoid in casual, minor disagreements; it sounds overly dramatic for a spilled coffee.
Fun facts
- In Old English, the word 'wrecan' was used for this, which eventually became our modern word 'wreak' (as in 'wreak havoc').
Related words
Explore more words
retributive, vindictiveness, vindictive, redress, spiteful, wrath
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