Avenge Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฅ
avenge
[ษหvษndส ]
Definition
seeking retaliation
To inflict harm in return for (an injury or wrong done to oneself or another). To take vengeance for something. To exact satisfaction for a wrong by punishing the wrongdoer.
Synonyms
punish, repay, retaliate, revenge.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| avenge |
When you want to correct a wrong done to someone else by taking action against the wrongdoer, usually in a more noble or justified manner.
|
| retaliate |
When responding to an action or attack with a similar or greater action, often with a sense of equalizing the situation. It usually carries a negative connotation.
|
| revenge |
Used when taking action to harm someone who has wronged you, often with a strong sense of personal justice or emotion. This term generally has a negative connotation.
|
| punish |
Used when referring to inflicting a penalty or sanction on someone for a wrong or offense.
|
| repay |
Appropriate when discussing returning a favor or debt, or in some cases taking action in response to someone's behavior towards you, but not necessarily in a negative way.
|
Examples of usage
- He vowed to avenge his brother's death.
- She sought to avenge the injustice done to her family.
- The hero swore to avenge the destruction of his village.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'avenge'
The word 'avenge' comes from the Old French word 'avengier', which means 'take revenge, avenge'. It has been used in the English language since the early 14th century. The concept of avenging wrongs or seeking revenge has been a part of human history and storytelling for centuries, with tales of vengeance often playing a central role in epic literature and mythology.