vengeance
VEN-junss
/ˈvendʒəns/
Punishment inflicted or retribution exacted for an injury or wrong.
Stronger and more emotional than 'retribution'; often implies a personal, passionate desire to see someone suffer.
The story behind the word. Like 'avenge', this word traces back to the Latin 'vindicare'. It entered English through the French nobility, which is why it has a more 'grand' and 'dramatic' feel than the Germanic 'revenge'.
Word relationships
- revenge: Almost identical, but 'vengeance' sounds more formal or epic.
- forgiveness: The action of forgiving.
- mercy: Leniency shown to an offender.
Commonly confused with
- vendetta: 'Vengeance' is the act or desire; 'vendetta' is the long-term feud that results from it.
Word family
- vengeful (adjective): Seeking to harm someone in return for a perceived injury.
Collocations
- with a vengeance
- seek vengeance
- vow vengeance
Example sentences
- "Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord." Biblical citation
- "He swore vengeance against the men who had destroyed his home." Action movies
Memory hook
'Vengeance' sounds like 'Violence' + 'Justice'. It's justice sought through violent or harsh means. Epic payback.
When not to use
In formal legal documents, 'retribution' or 'damages' is preferred.
Fun facts
- The phrase 'with a vengeance' originally meant 'with a curse,' but now it just means 'to an extreme degree.'
Related words
Explore more words
retributive, vindictiveness, vindictive, wrath, malice, penance
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