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Wreak: meaning, definitions and examples

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wreak

 

[ riːk ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

cause damage

To wreak is to cause or inflict something, typically something harmful or severe. This term is often used in the context of wreaking havoc or wreaking vengeance.

Synonyms

bring about, cause, create, inflict.

Examples of usage

  • The storm wreaked havoc on the town.
  • He vowed to wreak his revenge on those who betrayed him.
  • The wildfires wreaked destruction across the countryside.
  • The scandal wreaked chaos among the team members.

Translations

Translations of the word "wreak" in other languages:

🇵🇹 destruir

🇮🇳 बिगाड़ना

🇩🇪 verursachen

🇮🇩 menghancurkan

🇺🇦 завдати

🇵🇱 wyrządzić

🇯🇵 引き起こす

🇫🇷 causer

🇪🇸 provocar

🇹🇷 yol açmak

🇰🇷 초래하다

🇸🇦 يُسبب

🇨🇿 způsobit

🇸🇰 spôsobiť

🇨🇳 造成

🇸🇮 povzročiti

🇮🇸 valda

🇰🇿 жою

🇬🇪 შექმნა

🇦🇿 təsir etmək

🇲🇽 provocar

Etymology

The word 'wreak' dates back to Old English 'wrecan', which means to drive out or deliver a punishment. It originated from the Proto-Germanic word '*wrēkan', which carries a similar meaning of expelling or avenging. Over time, its usage evolved, and it became more specifically associated with causing destruction or harm. By the Middle English period, 'wreak' was commonly used in literature and speech to describe enacting revenge or inflicting suffering. The modern usage often implies a sense of powerful and often chaotic impact, hence phrases like 'wreak havoc' have become prevalent.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,988, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.