Revenge: meaning, definitions and examples

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revenge

[rɪˈvɛndʒ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

seeking payback

Revenge is the action of inflicting hurt or harm on someone in retaliation for something they have done to you.

Synonyms

reprisal, retaliation, vengeance.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
revenge	Used when someone seeks to inflict harm or punishment on someone else in a personal manner as a response to a wrong they have suffered. It often implies a more emotional, and sometimes irrational, response. "He sought revenge for his sister's death by tracking down the criminals." "Revenge motivated her every action after the betrayal."
vengeance	Used when someone seeks retribution driven by a strong desire for justice or righteousness. It often has a dramatic and intense connotation, suggesting a deeper sense of moral or personal vindication. "He swore to seek vengeance for the injustice done to his family." "Her vow for vengeance consumed her every thought."
retaliation	Used to indicate any act of returning harm or punishment for an offense or injury. It is more neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It implies a calculated response. "The workers planned a strike in retaliation for unfair labor practices." "She feared retaliation after reporting the harassment."
reprisal	Used mainly in formal or military contexts to describe an act of retaliation against an enemy in response to an attack or injury. It suggests a systematic and strategic response. "The government launched a reprisal for the enemy's bombing of the village." "In reprisal, the troops carried out a coordinated strike."

Examples of usage

She sought revenge on her ex-boyfriend by spreading rumors about him.
His thirst for revenge clouded his judgement and led to disastrous consequences.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

getting even

To revenge is to take action to harm or hurt someone in response to a perceived wrong or injustice.

Examples of usage

She vowed to revenge her sister's betrayal by exposing her secrets.
He sought to revenge his friend's honor by challenging the bully to a fight.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Old French 'revenchier', which means 'to take revenge'.
It has roots in Latin with 'vindicare', meaning 'to claim, avenge, or punish'.
The concept of revenge has evolved in language and culture, often reflecting societal values.

Literature

Revenge is a popular theme in many famous works, including Shakespeare's 'Hamlet', where the protagonist seeks to avenge his father's death.
Edgar Allan Poe's stories often explore the dark side of revenge, revealing its psychological consequences.
In modern literature, stories like 'The Count of Monte Cristo' focus on the intricacies and repercussions of seeking vengeance.

Psychology

Studies show that seeking revenge can provide a temporary feeling of satisfaction but often results in prolonged negative emotions.
Interestingly, some psychological research suggests that the desire for revenge can be linked to a lack of self-esteem or empowerment.
The act of forgiving, rather than seeking revenge, has been linked to better mental health outcomes and reduced stress.

Pop Culture

Revenge movies are incredibly popular, with iconic titles like 'Kill Bill' and 'John Wick' focusing on characters seeking vengeance for a personal loss.
TV shows like 'Revenge' explore the twists and turns of a protagonist's quest for payback against those who wronged her.
Social media sometimes becomes a modern battlefield for revenge, with 'cancel culture' being a contemporary form of seeking retribution.

Philosophy

Philosophical discussions often grapple with whether revenge is morally justifiable or if it perpetuates cycles of violence.
Many philosophers argue that seeking revenge can cause more harm than good and advocate for restorative justice instead.
Historically, various cultures have developed codes or laws around revenge, such as the principle of 'an eye for an eye' in ancient laws.

Translations

Translations of the word "revenge" in other languages:

🇵🇹 vingança

🇮🇳 बदला

🇩🇪 Rache

🇮🇩 balas dendam

🇺🇦 помста

🇵🇱 zemsta

🇯🇵 復讐 (ふくしゅう)

🇫🇷 revanche

🇪🇸 venganza

🇹🇷 intikam

🇰🇷 복수 (bogsu)

🇸🇦 انتقام

🇨🇿 pomsta

🇸🇰 pomsta

🇨🇳 复仇 (fùchóu)

🇸🇮 maščevanje

🇮🇸 hefnd

🇰🇿 кек алу

🇬🇪 შურისძიება

🇦🇿 intiqam

🇲🇽 venganza

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,762 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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6759 historically
6760 offenses
6761 ere
6762 revenge
6763 update
6764 biography
6765 transitions
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