Avenger: meaning, definitions and examples

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avenger

 

[əˈvɛndʒər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

superhero team

A person who seeks vengeance for a particular wrongdoing or injustice, often portrayed as a heroic figure with extraordinary abilities.

Synonyms

avenging angel, retributive hero, vigilante.

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Word Description / Examples
avenger

Specifically refers to a member of the superhero group in popular culture, often in comic books or movies.

  • Captain America is one of the original Avengers
  • The new Avengers movie is coming out this summer
vigilante

Refers to someone who takes the law into their own hands, acting outside the legal system. This term often carries a negative connotation, implying a disregard for legal processes.

  • The town was divided on whether the vigilante was a hero or a menace
  • He was labeled a vigilante after repeatedly attacking known criminals without any legal authority
avenging angel

Conveys a more dramatic or divine sense of retribution, often used in literature or mythology. It can imply a sense of righteousness or moral crusade.

  • She fought like an avenging angel, determined to right the wrongs done to her family
  • The character in the story is depicted as an avenging angel bringing justice to the oppressed
retributive hero

Used in storytelling, particularly in novels, movies, and comics, to describe a character who takes justice into their own hands, often driven by personal loss or a strong sense of moral duty.

  • Batman is often seen as a retributive hero, combating crime in Gotham City
  • In the film, the protagonist emerges as a retributive hero after his village is destroyed

Examples of usage

  • The Avengers are a team of superheroes who fight to protect the world from evil forces.
  • Thor is known as the mighty Avenger.
  • Black Widow is a skilled Avenger who uses her intelligence and combat skills to defeat enemies.
Context #2 | Noun

film franchise

A series of movies produced by Marvel Studios featuring a group of superheroes known as the Avengers.

Synonyms

film series, movie saga.

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Word Description / Examples
avenger

This word is commonly used to describe someone who seeks revenge. It often carries a sense of justice and is typically used in dramatic or action-oriented contexts.

  • He became the avenger of his fallen family.
  • The avenger didn't rest until he brought the criminals to justice.

Examples of usage

  • The Avengers franchise has been a huge success at the box office.
  • I'm excited to see the next Avengers movie.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Old French 'avengier', meaning 'to take vengeance or to return,' which later influenced the Middle English form.
  • In Latin, the root 'vindicare' means 'to claim' or 'to avenge,' connecting to the idea of restoring justice.

Literature

  • Many stories feature an avenger, such as the character of Hamlet, who seeks to avenge his father's death in Shakespeare’s famous tragedy.
  • Classic tales like 'The Count of Monte Cristo' revolve around a protagonist driven by vengeance, emphasizing moral questions on revenge versus justice.

Pop Culture

  • The 'Avengers' franchise in comics and films showcases a team of superheroes who unite to confront evil threats, embodying the spirit of avenging the oppressed.
  • The concept of the anti-hero in various media often includes characters who become avengers, fighting against corruption or those who have wronged them.

Psychology

  • The desire to avenge can stem from feelings of anger and injustice, prompting individuals to take action against perceived wrongs.
  • Research indicates that while seeking revenge may feel satisfying initially, it often leads to prolonged feelings of anger and regret.

History

  • Throughout history, individuals and groups have risen as avengers, such as the ancient vigilantes who sought to defend their communities in the absence of law.
  • Major historical revolutions often included avengers who opposed oppressive regimes, seeking to right the wrongs inflicted upon the populace.

Translations

Translations of the word "avenger" in other languages:

🇵🇹 vingador

🇮🇳 प्रतिशोधक

🇩🇪 Rächer

🇮🇩 pendendam

🇺🇦 месник

🇵🇱 mściciel

🇯🇵 復讐者 (ふくしゅうしゃ)

🇫🇷 vengeur

🇪🇸 vengador

🇹🇷 intikamcı

🇰🇷 복수자 (boksuja)

🇸🇦 المنتقم (al-muntaqim)

🇨🇿 mstitel

🇸🇰 pomstiteľ

🇨🇳 复仇者 (fùchóuzhě)

🇸🇮 maščevalec

🇮🇸 hefndarmaður

🇰🇿 кек алушы

🇬🇪 მზღველი (mzghveli)

🇦🇿 intiqamçı

🇲🇽 vengador

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,182, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.